Dating, Friends and Diabetes
Let’s be honest- Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) isn’t exactly the first thing you want to bring up when meeting new people. Whether it’s a first date, a new friend at university or a group hangout- explaining T1D can sometimes feel awkward.
Do you tell them straight away? Wait until they notice you checking your blood sugar? How do you handle the classic “Oh, so you can’t eat sugar?” question without rolling your eyes?
The good news? Most people are curious rather than judge, and the way you handle it sets the tone. So, let’s talk about navigating friendships, dating and social life with T1D- without making it a big deal.
1. Telling New People About T1D
When’s the Right Time to Tell Someone?
It depends! Some people bring it up straight away, others wait until it comes up naturally. There’s no right or wrong way, but here are a few approaches:
The Casual Mention: Drop it in early, like it’s no big deal. Example: “Oh yeah, I’ve got Type 1 Diabetes- just means I have to keep an eye on my blood sugar.”
The Food Related Approach: If someone asks why you’re carb counting, use it as a chance to explain. Example: “I can eat anything, I just have to know how much insulin to take for it.”
The “They’ll See Eventually” Method: If you wear a CGM or pump, people might notice it. Just explain when they ask: “It’s for my diabetes- it helps me track my blood sugar.”
Top Tip: Keep it short and simple at first. Most people don’t need a full-on science lesson about insulin- just the basics!
2. Friendships & Type 1 Diabetes
Good friends won’t care that you have diabetes, but they will care about making sure you’re okay. Here’s how to help your mates understand.
How to Explain T1D to Friends
Keep It Simple: “My pancreas doesn’t work, so I have to do the job myself with insulin.”
Answer Their Questions (Without Overloading Them): If they ask, “So…can you eat sweets?” just say, “Yeah, as long as I take insulin for it.” Done.
Help Them Understand Hypos: If you start acting weird, they should know to ask, “Do you need something sugary?” Bonus points if they carry snacks for you (true friendship goals).
Set Boundaries If Needed: If a friend starts making annoying diabetes jokes or keeps saying, “Should you be eating that?”- let them know it’s not helpful. Most people just don’t realise.
3. Dating with Type 1 Diabetes
Whether you’re going on your first date or in a relationship, T1D shouldn’t be a big deal. But let’s be real- telling someone you’ve just met can feel a bit nerve-wracking.
When Should You Tell Someone You’re Dating?
Straight Away? If you wear a pump or CGM, they’ll probably notice. A quick “By the way, I have Type 1 diabetes” keeps it casual.
When Food Comes Up? If you’re ordering food and checking your blood sugar, it’s a natural time to mention it.
Wait & See? Some people prefer to wait a few dates before bringing it up. If that feels right for you, go for it!
The key? Make it normal. If you act like it’s a big deal, they might too. If you’re relaxed, they’ll take it in stride.
Common Dating Worries & How to Handle Them
“What if they think it’s weird?” -> If they’re put off by diabetes, they’re not the right person for you. Simple.
“What if I have a hypo on a date?” -> Just say, “I need to grab something sugary- my blood sugar’s low.” Most people will just be glad you’re okay.
“What if they freak out over needles?” -> If you need to inject or check your blood sugar, you can let them know: “I do this all the time, don’t worry!”
Pro Tip: If they ask, “What can I do to help?”- tell them. Even if it’s just, “Remind me to check my levels if I start acting a bit off.”
4. Dealing with Awkward Questions & Myths
People can say some wild things about diabetes. Here’s how to handle it:
“Oh, so you can’t eat sugar?” -> “I can! I just need to take insulin for it.”
“Did you get diabetes because you ate too much junk food?” -> “Nope, Type 1 is an autoimmune thing. My immune system attacked my pancreas.”
“My Nan has diabetes too- she just avoids sweets.” -> “That’s Type 2- mine’s different because I need insulin.”
“Do you have to inject every day?” -> “Yep! But I’m used to it- it’s just part of my routine.”
Pro Tip: If someone genuinely wants to learn, take a minute to explain. If they’re just being annoying, you don’t owe them an explanation- change the subject and move on.
5. Confidence is Key
At the end of the day, T1D is just one part of who you are- it doesn’t define you. The more comfortable you are with it, the easier it is for other people to be.
Be upfront when you need to be- If you’re having a hypo, don’t be embarrassed to sort it out. Your health comes first.
Find mates who get it- Good friends won’t make a big deal out of your diabetes, but they’ll have your back when it matters.
Own it- You’re already handling something most people couldn’t imagine. That’s pretty cool, right?
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s dating, friendships or just meeting new people, T1D doesn’t have to be awkward. The more you normalise it, the easier it gets.
Keep explanations simple
Surround yourself with friends who support you
Don’t let diabetes stop you from living your best life