Tips for Managing Diabetes with your BF or GF
Don’t completely lose track of time: Being in love (or even just in like) with someone can be distracting. Don’t lose your head and neglect your diabetes management when you’re hanging out with your boyfriend or girlfriend. If you know you’re going out, it might help to plan in advance. Make a mental note of when you’re going to have to eat or check your blood glucose. Write it on your hand if you have to!
Tell or not tell? You don’t have to be a diabetes educator with everyone you meet, but it might be easier to tell a new boyfriend or girlfriend a little about your diabetes if you’re going to need check your blood glucose level, eat, or take insulin or medications when you’re together.
Having sex
Know that feeling when you’re trying to exercise but your blood sugar is low? Low blood sugar is the last thing you want when you’re becoming intimate with someone, so slip away to check your blood sugar and treat lows or highs if and when you need to.
Be aware:
- Teens with diabetes have the same risks for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and pregnancy as anyone else. If you’re having sex, take precautions! Use condoms every time.
- Pregnancy is much riskier when you have diabetes, for both mom and baby. High blood glucose can hurt an unborn baby, and being pregnant can make it more difficult to control blood glucose. Know the risks and use birth control if and when you’re having sex.