When one-half of a couple has diabetes and the other doesn't, the challenge of how to "share" this experience becomes an issue that needs to be acknowledged and addressed. Not addressing it is to open the relationship to potentially damaging resentment and fear as well as missing out on some wonderful, relationship-deepening intimacy

What to tell your boyfriend or girlfriend

It is best to explain about your diabetes from the beginning. Not only is it honest (always a good thing in relationships), but it will mean that you don't have to disappear in order to test your blood glucose and inject insulin! You will probably find that your girlfriend or boyfriend is understanding of your diabetes and supportive of you.

What about sex?

Whether you are already having sex, or if that is in the future, diabetes shouldn't affect your sex life. If your blood glucose is well controlled, then you should be able to have a perfectly normal sex life.