There are approximately 240 million people around the world existing with diabetes, and about 25 million of those people live in the United States of America. The probability of all 25 million of those people being in a secure, blissful relationship is highly unlikely so it begs the question, in a society that appears to identify itself by initial impressions, how do those already living with diabetes preserve romantic, enduring relationships with new and diverse people?

It is evident that there has been an unremitting rise in the diagnosis of diabetes within the younger community, so it seems pertinent to ascertain how these individuals handle the hardships of being a fresh-faced, twenty-something blazing an autonomous path, while simultaneously learning how to monitor their condition all by themselves. It seems like a difficult commission by any stretch of the imagination, and doesn’t appear to get easier with the progression of age. This is especially true for those people diving into an already challenging dating pool. Expert healthcare columnist, Janis Roszler, has a few tips for enriching the first date (and often times the first impression) experience, by offering a few tips to those Generation Y’ers living with diabetes, as well as those who are re-entering the dating game after a long hiatus.

First and foremost, Roszler encourages continuous diabetes testing. It seems that the majority of diabetics, who are planning a first date, seem primarily concerned with hypoglycemia, or having a “low”. Hypoglycemia denotes that there is an insufficient quantity of glucose flowing to the brain, subsequently causing an impairment of the body’s primary functions. Effects of hypoglycemia can range from very minor to very dangerous, this may include anything from “feeling bad” to seizures, and or coma. So it is vitally imperative that people living with diabetes have an unremitting awareness of their blood sugar levels.  It is also important to make sure that a meal is predetermined in accordance with insulin injections, and or medications. DON’T FORGET TO EAT! Appropriate food consumption, (a diabetes friendly diet) is essential to maintaining proper blood-glucose levels. It is also significant to acknowledge that alcohol intake has an underlying effect on individuals with diabetes, so for those who drink it is wise to only do so in moderation.

Probably the easiest way to turn a potentially awkward situation into a great first date is to just be direct, and honest with your date. If you can’t declare the simple fact that you are living with diabetes on a first date, then chances are you won’t want to share that part of your life with this particular individual in the long run, so do yourself a favor, and find someone who can, and will step up to the plate.