People with diabetes must balance their social lives with their medical needs.
How a person with diabetes explains their condition to a new date is a personal choice. But those who deal with their conditions calmly, briefly and stoically are more likely to encourage people they're going out with to accept it easily than those who don't. Explaining the conditions and the requirements of living with diabetes early on in a relationship will ease any misconceptions about treatment and lifestyle choices.
Dating Challenges
It can be difficult to act spontaneously in many social situations because maintaining a balanced blood sugar level requires keeping insulin and food readily available. diabetics have to follow a fairly specific diet and a steady eating schedule throughout the day to keep their blood sugar within a target range.
Controlling Blood Sugar
Monitoring blood sugar levels throughout the day---finger pricks to test blood sugar levels or self-administered insulin shots---especially when done publicly, can make both the diabetic and his or her date uncomfortable, according to the American Diabetic Association. Low blood sugar or a bad insulin reaction can cause sudden, unexpected weakness, irritability, lack of libido or loss of consciousness. These symptoms can be disconcerting for both parties, said Lance Porter, Editor of Diabetes Positive! magazine.
Full Discloure?
Many people with diabetes may be reluctant to tell those they're dating that they have the condition because it may make them feel less attractive or appear to be a health risk to those who aren't familiar with the disease, Porter said. Porter described people who did a blood sugar test at the dinner table, or even displayed a syringe while dining with a date, so matter-of-fact that the person's date was unaffected. He suggests that those who briefly explain their condition, but don't let it dominate the conversation, help their dates accept it more easily. Disclosure will help a new acquaintance understand why diabetics have to be so careful about their lifestyle habits. Concealing the condition might create a serious trust issue later in the relationship, Porter said.
Intimacy
Exertion from sexual activity can cause blood sugar levels to plummet quickly. Diabetics should check their blood sugar level before and afterward sex and keep snacks that they can eat quickly close-by, advises Janis Roszler, RD, CDE, LD/N, on the DiabetesHealth website. Diabetes can hamper arousal in men and cause vaginal dryness in women, Porter said.
Other Precautions
People with diabetes have to take precautions when engaging in certain popular and relaxing activities with their dates. Limit hot tub or bathtub exposure to 20 minutes to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure caused by hot water. Diabetics are prone to fungal and bacterial infections, so they should towel off thoroughly afterward, Roszler said. Diabetics have to limit or refrain from social drinking, especially if they're on insulin or oral diabetes medications, according to the Mayo Clinic. High sugar levels over multiple days can cause bad breath, Roszler said.
For the Non-Diabetic Partner
People dating a diabetic person can be supportive and understand their challenges by learning more about the disease. People should be flexible about scheduling meals because diabetics may need to eat many small meals during the day or make other dietary adjustments to control their blood sugar at any given time, according to the American Diabetes Association. Pick restaurants that serve low-carb and low-fat dishes. Bringing snacks during extended exercise sessions, such as during a hike, can help keep your partner's dietary regimen on track.
