I understand that the “one” who is right for you will except you for who you are, diabetes, and all. But, I took enough sociology classes in college where they talk about looking for a mate that is healthy is most important.

I have no problems dating someone else with diabetes and the thought is kinda of intriguing because they would understand the disease and complications.

If you are dating someone, how and when do you bring it up? Sticking a needle in my body or forcing my body to bleed in front of someone seems a little forward.

Just out of curiosity, do you think men and women are equally accepting of dating a diabetic?

Yeah…it hurts. I ain’t no gargoyle, have a bunch to offer and love having
interesting times & fun. Thanks for letting me whine! Any thoughts?

I’m torn as to what to do, because he doesn’t mention the diabetes at all, other than when he told me about his condition. I feel stupid for not researching it right away as I never thought that diabetes COULD take over someone’s life (just plain ignorant, I tell you). Now, it’s to the point to where he’s come to expect me not to understand him. I actually understand him more than ever…or wayyyyyyyy more than I did this morning. Should I approach him with this information or try to open up a conversation about it? He’s very very sensitive and defensive. I actually can see now WHY the sexual convo goes the way that it does, with him assuming that one day I’m just going to find him undesirable or become disenchanted. He’s the one who puts so much emphasis on our sex life…despite his inability to consistently perform. I’ve only asked as a compromise that he is affectionate regardless of his ability to perform as I can deal with the low performance, but will NOT tolerate coldness…from anyone. I don’t care what the diagnosis is. If you’re a quadropalegic and can’t give me a hug, then at least tell me that I’m beautiful (which IS true by the way and it seems to be working against me in this situation. No lie).

So here I am a healthy 37 almost 38 year old vivacious woman with a full life, spiritually led, wanting to form a deep connection with a man who has shown great potential to do so, but seems to be inhibited by a condition rather than an overall mindset as I first thought. I seriously considered throwing in the towel this morning after something he said to me last night.

Am I making too much of the diabetes information or am I on track with understanding how difficult it can be for single men, especially one who is losing his sexual stamina? Help. I can’t be a verbal punching bag, but I also don’t want to abandon someone who I am developing feelings for (and the emotional connection on my end has started wavering…because I’m no fool. I won’t be abused or neglected.)

I’m just looking for answers and a solution at this point, before making a final judgement and walking away from someone who has the potential to be a great partner. At the risk of sounding cliche-ish.

My questions relate more to the logistics of blood sugar control in the midst of some raging hormones and adrenaline and all that other great stuff that comes with first dates, second dates etc. Does anyone else know what I’m talking about? I will be eating normally, my insulin pump is on the same settings, and yet my blood sugar is out of control high, simply from thinking about this guy (not to mention what kissing him does). How do I deal with that? Is there a temp basal setting you use for being turned on? This is really humorous, but I’m not joking about the b.s. control. I’d just like to hear what others have experienced.

A couple of years after that messy divorce (which by the way, she got nothing!) I went out with a couple of buddies to a bar downtown. This beautiful girl came up to the bar and ordered a drink: cranberry juice. I made a joke and asked her if she is even old enough to drink alcohol. She smiled and said her blood sugar was low. It was refreshing to hear someone be open about their diabetes. Before she was about to leave the bar with her friends I went up to her and asked how she was feeling. Long story short, we went out the next night and clicked immediately. For the first time in my life I didn’t feel the need to hide something that was no doubt a huge part of my life. I can be myself 100% of the time with her. We’ve been married for thirteen years now and have four beautiful, bright, healthy children. I love how her diabetes has made her the woman she is. She’s very successful in her career, kind to everyone, down to earth, and healthier than most people who do not have diabetes.

The last time I saw my ex wife was at her son’s funeral two years ago. He had been battling leukemia for a few years before the good Lord called him home. His father’s grandmother died of leukemia, so it must of been in his genes.

Diabetes is not the worst thing to happen to someone. No one really knows what we go through with this disease unless they have it themselves. It can be hard at times, but the more comfortable you are with it the easier it is for you and your partner. If you are fortunate to find someone who loves you no matter what then God bless you. I consider myself beyond lucky to have found such an amazing person to share my life with.

I have just started dating again recently and the man I am with now is awesome.

When he first told me about it, i was more concerned about what i can do to help him or what i have to know to be prepared if anything happend. I too was not exposed to diabetes and wanted mostly to understand what it is and what is expected of me. I appreciated that he was honest when he got to know me more and it was not a big deal because he took care of himself well and explained it. I think if you are able to present it like -yeah it’s a part of my life, but it’s not hindering me from living -then it helps partners like me understand that it can be dealt with.

WHEN HE TOLD ME, I NEVER ONCE FELT LIKE IT WAS A BURDEN OR SOME SORT OF DEAL BREAKER. I thought it more like allergies ( i know it’s not but this is how i thought at first) – we just have to be careful in most situations but it’s ok. I liked him enough to educate myself about it and not let it bother me. for me i just wanted to be there for my partner because i was more attracted to his other qualities. Some people have their preferrences but don’t assume your partner would immediately back off. – i didnt.