So you have diabetes. If you are reading this thinking that your diagnosis makes you less desirable, then it’s time to snap out of that mentality. To the people who think some people’s lives seem perfect, know that everybody has something they deal with. Yours just happens to be diabetes. To help you prepare for the dating world out there, the DMP team has got you covered. Whether you’re entering the dating world for the first time or have found yourself struggling to date while dealing with diabetes, this article is for you. Read on to learn how to date while having diabetes and overcome some of the common obstacles faced by people like you!
1. Own your diabetes
Being diagnosed with diabetes can be an isolating experience. It can feel as if no one understands what you are going through, and for younger individuals it can leave them feeling like no one wants to hang out with “the kid with diabetes.” While it is easier said than done, a part of preparing yourself for dating is to own your diabetes. This can mean different things to different people. Whether this means openly talking to others about your diabetes or simply accepting your diagnosis and reaffirming that you are deserving of love, this is the first step towards owning your diabetes.
2. Honesty is the best policy
While you don’t have to tell someone on a first date about your diabetes, if you find yourself seeing them more and more carve out time to tell them about your diabetes. Your diabetes is nothing you should be ashamed of and by being honest about diabetes it lets them know that your relationship with food and your pancreas is just a bit different than everyone else’s. When telling a person you are interested in, do not use negative words such as “I’m sorry” but rather simply mention your diabetes as a simple fact. Such as “I have diabetes and I thought I should let you know.” It establishes that you trust them with a piece of yourself that you might not be comfortable telling everyone. By telling them, it also helps you be more open about it when you need to take medicine or consume snacks to regulate your sugars.
3. Be open about your needs
If you have reached the stage where you have revealed that you have diabetes, be open about your needs. If you find you need to inject insulin to regulate your sugars or eat a snack, let your date know. Your health is more important than the inconvenience you may feel you have caused by “interrupting” the date.
4. Keep things lighthearted
While diabetes can lead to many different complications, it does not mean that you need to have this discussion with your date now. Yes be open with your needs, but don’t let yourself drown in the thoughts of possible complications in the future. Dating is supposed to be fun, and you deserve to enjoy it! If you find that your sugars are low and you need a snack, making a lighthearted joke about how diabetes can turn you into the cookie monster is a great way to address a real issue in a lighthearted way. It will allow you to carry on while subtly emphasizing the importance of having snacks on hand!
5. Prepare ahead of time
Did your date express an interest to go on a four hour hike? Prep for situations like these by ensuring you have your medications and snacks on hand. By preparing ahead of time it ensures you can have a great time while being prepared should you feel your sugars getting too high or low. Plus, exercise is beneficial for everyone. In the same way that any serious hiker ensures they are prepped with the appropriate gears such as hiking boots, water, snacks, electrolytes, etc., your hiking pack just looks a little bit different!
6. Don’t let disappoint stop you
Here’s the thing, some people are just not meant for you. It can be a tough pill to swallow, especially if you were interested in them but this is simply a fact of life. After all, if everyone fell in love with the first person they were interested in there would be a lot less dating websites out there! Some people will hear the news about your diabetes and might not be open to dating you. Try not to take this personally. If someone cannot accept who you are because of something that you can’t change, that’s on them. Also, don’t automatically assume that the reason it didn’t work out was because of your diabetes. There are a million reasons as to why something doesn’t work. Just as you might not end up being interested in someone you go out with, others have the right to feel the same way. I know it’s difficult to accept but it is the reality of the situation. If a person is right for you, then they will accept you for who you are. So don’t let your fear stop you!
Dating is a funny thing and far from many rom-com portrayals. It is messy, heartbreaking, exhilarating, fun, frustrating, passionate, inspiring, and so much more. Dating with diabetes is no different. Don’t keep yourself from the dating scene; you deserve to experience everything that comes with dating too! For more tips and tricks about dealing with diabetes, download the DMP app by visiting our website here. We are a team dedicated to providing those living with diabetes with community support and professional advice. Remember, dating with diabetes doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Simply remind yourself of your self-worth, be honest about your diagnosis, prepare yourself, and know that your next date just might be someone special!
Carolina Clarke
Carolina Clarke is the marketing copywriter at TLC Platforms. She is passionate about social issues, travel, and fitness. She is a diabetes supporter and is dedicated to providing those living with diabetes with resources to help manage their diabetes. A desire to help is at the forefront of everything she writes.
