Whether you find dating fun or whether it sends your nerves into a flurry, diabetes is one extra thing you may need to think about when dating but all in all it shouldn’t get in the way.
We run through some of things you may want to consider when making the most of your dating experience with diabetes.
When do you tell your date about your diabetes?
When you decide to tell your date about your diabetes will be partly influenced by your personal preference and may be influenced by your medication regime.
If you’re on insulin, or otherwise susceptible to hypoglycemia, it’s a good idea to let your date know about your diabetes early on.
If you’re on another medication routine then you may have more time and freedom to choose the right moment.
Diabetes, your date and injecting
If you inject then it’s a good idea to explain your need to inject at a convenient time as some people may be squeamish about needles.
It may take your date a little time to get used to the idea at first but in most cases your partner will get accommodated with your injection regimes.
Will my diabetes matter?
We’d like to say, “no, it doesn’t matter” but it can depend on how you manage diabetes and your date’s own feelings towards your diabetes.
Some people will naturally be more receptive to your diabetes than others.
It’s common for people with diabetes to worry about what their date will make of their diabetes, questions may include:
- How do I explain I have a lifelong condition?
- Will he/she worry about my health in the long run?
- Will he/she run a mile when I start to inject or they see my pump?
In the most cases the worries are unfounded and you’ll tend to find that the more you can accept your own diabetes, the better the chances that your date will be able to.
Diabetes and emotions
Diabetes can lead to ups and downs in sugar levels and this can be reflected in emotions at times. Your date may appreciate some reassurance that an occasional change in mood is not uncommon and that you are in control.
Dating someone diabetic
One way to ensure your date understands what it means to have diabetes is to date someone who also has diabetes. A number of members on the Diabetes Forum have long term partners who are also diabetic.
Dating and insulin pumps
Some people can be self-conscious about what a date will think of their insulin pump but often are pleasantly surprised that their dates are unphased about the pump.
Diabetes and commitment
Diabetes may present an additional challenge in dating but on the positive side, it can also be a useful determinant of your potential partner’s commitment.
Diabetes and sex
Sexual activity can be affected by sugar levels and we would recommend telling your partner about your diabetes if there is any risk of hypoglycemia coming on during love making.
For more on diabetes and sex information on sexual difficulties, see diabetes and sex.
What if my date is too interested in my diabetes?
Occasionally we see people with diabetes worrying that their partner is getting too involved in their diabetes.
On the one hand it’s a positive sign that they care but if it is making things awkward for you then you may need to find a good time to express how it makes you feel and listen to how your partner sees things.
Dating should be fun, not stressful.
So as long as your partner is considerate, it should all be plain sailing.
