How Does Type 1 Diabetes Affect Personal Relationships

Diabetes And Relationships

Diabetes will invariably have some effect on the relationships you have. In some cases the effects may be trivial but for some diabetes can be a lurking source of friction. How we deal with the pressures of diabetes can make a real difference to the relationships we have with others, be they friends, family, work colleagues or one off acquaintances. One key which can sometimes help is to tell people about your diabetes . We take a look at how different relationships can be effected. Being diagnosed with diabetes can be a traumatic moment and coming to terms with it can be a long process. Even years after being diagnosed you may find yourself asking why did this happen to me?. Accepting your diagnosis is no easy task but it can be of benefit, directly or otherwise, for your interpersonal relationships. Having a daily routine is something of a cornerstone of good diabetes management but inevitably there will be times when the best routine for your diabetes will conflict with the situation you may find yourself in. If youre planning to visit a restaurant, for example, it may be important to you to know at what time youll be getting there. It can help to explain to people you are with what things you need to take into account to manage your diabetes and why. Even someone close to you may need a reminder or clarification at times. Its good to be mindful too of whether you may be making too much an issue of your diabetes. Diabetes can make food choices something of a prickly issue at times. It could be a family get together, a work lunch, visiting a restaurant or even a simple trip to the supermarket. Different people are affected in different ways. Some diabetics expect people to pay attention and consider their diabetes whereas others will do anything to avoid having the d Continue reading >>

Sex And Type 1 Diabetes

When a person is diagnosed with diabetes, their doctor will typically walk them through the steps of how to deal with this medical issue in the following years; however, sex is rarely addressed, often leaving the patient feeling left in the dark. The journal Diabetes Care found that only half of all men and 19 percent of women with diabetes had broached the topic of sex with their doctors.1 It is crucial that individuals with Type I Diabetes become aware of the sexual problems associated with this health condition because certain symptoms can be assumed an effect of Type 1 diabetes, but be caused from an unrelated medical condition. For people that already have diabetes, sexual problems can indicate nerve damage, blocked arteries, and irregular hormone patterns.2 People who keep their diabetes under control can lower their risk of developing these sexual and urologic problems in the future. Talk to Your Partner Establishing a strong system of communication with your partner is a crucial component of every relationship. Along with discussing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception usage, Type 1 diabetics should express how diabetes affects their sex life. Many Type 1 diabetics may feel self conscious about their condition and try to hide it from their partners. If you do this, however, you may not feel comfortable asking your partner for a break from sex in the case of a low blood sugar and put yourself in a dangerous situation. Sex is an intense physical activity and as any Type 1 diabetic knows, this can cause a fast drop in blood glucose level. Make sure your partner knows how to care for you in case you experience a severe low blood sugar level and are unable to care for yourself. It is your responsibility as a diabetic to protect yourself and give t Continue reading >>

Diabetes And Your Relationships

I was diagnosed with insulin dependent diabetes one month before starting high school. Upon my diagnosis, I thought about all the things I knew about diabetes, which basically amounted to what I had read about one of the characters from the book series “The Baby Sitter’s Club.” I knew my life would be different- giving injections, pricking my fingers, and having a really strict diet. One thing I didn’t expect, however, was the role diabetes would play in my interactions and relationships with others. During my graduate studies in human communication, I studied the different variables affecting our associations with others. I was drawn towards researching the effects of chronic illnesses (such as diabetes) on relationships. Chronic illness can change every aspect of a person’s life, including social experiences and personal identity. I, of course, began to think about myself and how living with diabetes might have changed me and my relationships. I have always been incredibly open about my diabetes, and find myself frequently explaining facts about diabetes, but I’ve never given diabetes the driver’s seat in my life. If anything, I probably underestimate the part it plays. I have never had anyone reject me as a friend, dump me as a romantic partner, or treat me like slacker coworker because of my diabetes, so I never considered the role that diabetes might play in my relationships. But living with diabetes does require some adaptation and planning. I thought about how having diabetes affects me, and then about how it might influence the people I love. For example, although I felt great about my relationship with my mother and the way my adolescent life with diabetes had gone, when I asked my mother about it, she admitted that she didn’t. She was so afraid Continue reading >>

3 Ways Diabetes Can Destroy Your Relationship (and What To Do About It)

Whether you’re single and dating, in a serious relationship, or have several years of marriage under your belt, diabetes is a significant part of your life and can inevitably have an impact on those relationships, for better or for worse. We’ve talked about diabetes impacting your sex life specifically, but here are three ways diabetes can bring turmoil to your relationship as a whole and what to do about it. 1. Hide Your Diabetes If you’re out in the dating world, and you’re purposefully hiding your diabetes from the people you’re dating because you’re afraid of their reaction to the sight of you pricking your finger, wearing an insulin pump, or giving yourself an injection, you are hiding a huge part of who you are. If the person you’re dating isn’t comfortable with your diabetes, or isn’t willing to learn about it gradually with your help, then this relationship is doomed for disaster. Also, you’ll inevitably wind up neglecting your diabetes, like skipping insulin doses or going hours without checking your blood sugar because you don’t want them to witness the event. Solution: The way you present your diabetes to a new person in your life is a big part of how they will react to it. If you present your diabetes as something you’re embarrassed by, they will see it as something that is weird and worth being embarrassed by. If you present your diabetes as something you boldly face every day that you’re proud of yourself for, they will see your response to diabetes as something that is impressive and worth admiring. In the end, if someone isn’t attracted to you because of your life with diabetes, then they are definitely not a person who can become a supportive partner in the long-term. You deserve a partner who will embrace every part of who y Continue reading >>

Partner Perspectives On Life With A Person With Type 1 Diabetes

L. Nicole Johnson, Dr.PH., M.P.H., M.A., Stephanie T. Melton, M.A., M.P.H. Type 1 diabetes affects all aspects of life for both the person with the disease and their loved ones. For partners, negotiating the caregiving role can be challenging. Objective: Partners of people with type 1 diabetes are positioned to provide crucial support for their significant other, but they may struggle with the caregiving role. The purpose of this study was to determine the challenges and needs of these partners. Research Design and Methods: In this qualitative study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 19 partners of people with type 1 diabetes. A semi-structured interview guide was used during the interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted using qualitative data management and analysis software. Results: The analysis of the interviews revealed that partners face numerous challenges in the caregiving of their partner. Partners reported struggling with: (1) emotional strain from fear and distress over diabetes symptoms and complications that results in caregiver burden; (2) determining how to avoid relationship conflict; and (3) knowing how to provide life sustaining care during diabetes medical emergencies. Conclusion: Partners of people with diabetes would benefit from diabetes education targeting emergency care and the psychosocial impacts of diabetes. This additional education could potentially ease the emotional strains of caregiving. Introduction Living with a disease like type 1 diabetes (T1D) can be challenging. Diabetes is a chronic, life threatening condition in which individuals experience impaired pancreatic functioning. Type 1 diabetes is generally diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, but it can also develop during adulthood. It is estimated that approximately 3 milli Continue reading >>

Does Health Affect Your Relationships?

I guess that when youve been married for 33 years, you have to expect some ups and downs. For me and my partner Aisha, it was mostly up for the first 28 years or so. Now it seems like theres a lot of down time, and I think that my health has a lot to do with it. I dont have diabetes. I have multiple sclerosis (MS), which damages my nerves and causes a lot of disabilities. I think its hard for her to cope with. It makes her sad; it makes her angry, which is tough on me. I guess the MS makes me sad, too, which is tough on her. She often says our apartment is a sad place. I dont usually feel sad, but maybe she thinks I am. Anyway, it frequently seems were bringing each other down as much as pulling each other up. The reason I bring this up is that Aisha and I have been doing sex counseling with other couples, some with diabetes and some with MS, and hearing similar stories. In at least a couple of reports, it seems that diabetes may raise divorce rates , perhaps because of the negative effect on sex. Ive written here before about sexual issues, and they are important. But theres a lot more going on. I think that, sometimes, the people with the illness start to get down on themselves. They feel less attractive or less worthy. They feel guilty about not being able to carry as much of the load, and they grieve over the loss of their healthier self. It also seems that the healthier spouses get down on themselves, too, for not being a good enough partner or for resenting their partners changes. Each member of a couple may definitely start resenting the other one. I sometimes find myself resenting Aishas ability to enjoy herself in ways that I can no longer share, or spending time on things I consider unimportant. Both members of a couple where there is chronic illness probably Continue reading >>

Diabetes And Your Marriage

Making Things Work It’s hard to have a chronic illness like diabetes. You have to watch your weight, make healthy food choices, exercise, take insulin or oral medicines in many cases, and see several health-care providers on a regular basis. But there’s more to it than that: You must carry out these tasks while also being worried that you may develop complications such as eye or kidney problems or while feeling depressed or overwhelmed. Having the support of others can help ease the feelings of fear or frustration that often go along with having diabetes. Research has clearly shown that people who have social support tend to do better managing their diabetes. Social support can mean different things to different people. You may feel supported when a family member offers to take you to a doctor visit. You may feel supported when a friend listens and lets you cry about how frustrated you feel. Or you may feel supported when your sister walks with you each morning so that you can stick with your exercise program. When people with diabetes feel they have people who care about them, people they can talk to about their deepest feelings, they are more likely to stick to their self-care regimen, to have better blood glucose control, and to feel positive about their ability to cope with diabetes. When you are married or in a committed relationship, the most important source of support is usually your spouse or partner. However, the marital relationship can also be the greatest source of conflict and stress. This article explores how a couple’s relationship may affect diabetes, how diabetes may affect the relationship, and how couples can work together to have both a healthy relationship and good diabetes control. One affects the other The quality of your relationship with Continue reading >>

Diabetes And Mood Swings: Effects On Relationships

Diabetes is a condition that impacts the way a person's body uses sugar for energy. However, diabetes affects much more than blood sugar. It can impact nearly every body system and have an effect on a person's mood. Stress associated with managing diabetes as well as concerns about potential side effects can all contribute to changes in mood. In addition, the actual highs and lows of blood sugar levels may also cause nervousness, anxiety, and confusion. It is important for people to recognize their own individual symptoms of high or low blood sugar. They must also ensure they seek support for any concerning mental health symptoms they might experience. Watching these mood swings can often be difficult for friends and family to understand. However, learning why a person may experience mood changes related to diabetes and being supportive can help to promote a stronger, healthier relationship. Contents of this article: How do diabetes and mood swings go together? Diabetes can have many effects on a person's mood. For example, managing diabetes can be stressful. A person may be constantly worried about their blood sugar and whether it is too high or too low. Adjustments to their diet and constantly checking their blood sugar can also add to a person's stress and enjoyment of life. As a result, they are more likely to experience feelings of anxiety and depression. Blood sugar swings can cause rapid changes in a person's mood, such as making them sad and irritable. This is especially true during hypoglycemic episodes, where blood sugar levels dip lower than 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Hyperglycemic episodes where levels spike higher than 250 mg/dL may cause confusion in people with type 1 diabetes, but are much less likely to in those with type 2 diabetes. When a pe Continue reading >>

Personal And Relationship Challenges Of Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

Go to: Abstract Little is known about the psychosocial challenges of adults living with type 1 diabetes or its impact on partner relationships. This qualitative study was undertaken to gain better understanding of these issues. Four focus groups were held, two with adult type 1 diabetic patients (n = 16) and two with partners (n = 14). Two broad questions were posed: “What are the emotional and interpersonal challenges you have experienced because you have (your partner has) type 1 diabetes?” and “How does the fact that you have (your partner has) type 1 diabetes affect your relationship with your partner, positively and/or negatively?” Sessions were recorded and transcribed, and analyzed by a team of four researchers, using constant comparative methods to identify core domains and concepts. Four main domains were identified: 1) impact of diabetes on the relationship, including level of partner involvement, emotional impact of diabetes on the relationship, and concerns about child-rearing; 2) understanding the impact of hypoglycemia; 3) stress of potential complications; and 4) benefits of technology. Themes suggest that, although partner involvement varies (very little to significant), there exists significant anxiety about hypoglycemia and future complications and sources of conflict that may increase relationship stress. Partner support is highly valued, and technology has a positive influence. Adults with type 1 diabetes face unique emotional and interpersonal challenges. Future research should focus on gaining a better understanding of how they cope and the effect of psychosocial stressors and coping on adherence, quality of life, and glycemic control. Continue reading >>

How Type 2 Diabetes Affects Relationships

Having type 2 diabetes changes your life and can certainly affect relationships, whether you’re dating or married. Diabetes management requires a lot of your attention and focus, which may be hard for a partner unfamiliar with the disease to understand. You have to carefully monitor what you eat and check your blood sugar frequently throughout the day. And if you're not always so careful about managing your diabetes, your partner may also be affected. A recent study of people whose partners had type 2 diabetes found that those who tried to exert control over their partners' dietary behavior felt particularly stressed and burdened. Finally, if you get sick and need help, your diabetes care may fall to your partner. Diabetes: The Physical and Emotional Impact People diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may experience a wide range of emotions, including: Fear Anger Depression Denial Guilt Not only is the emotional aspect of diabetes a real rollercoaster, but there is also a physical impact on sexual function. The emotional strain of dealing with diabetes can cause stress and anxiety, as well as communication difficulties that can lead to sexual dysfunction in relationships. Diabetes: Dating With Diabetes Even if you're not currently in a long-term relationship, diabetes can have an impact on your dating life. Ronda Keys, 37, an event planner from Maryland, was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 18. She didn't know anyone else her age with the disease, so she tried to downplay its seriousness to her friends, her boyfriend, and even herself. Keys, who is single, didn't want her boyfriend or friends to feel that they had to stop what they were doing or make accommodations for her diabetes, so she just didn't tell many people. "I had to try to figure out how to still live Continue reading >>

How Diabetes Impacts Your Mental Health

WRITTEN BY: Mark Heyman, PhD, CDE How Diabetes Impacts Your Mental Health is part of our Mental Health series. Type 1 isn’t just about counting carbs, checking BGLs and administering insulin. The disease takes an emotional and psychological toll as well. Check out other clinical information and personal stories about Mental Health. When I tell people I am a psychologist who specializes in diabetes, they usually look confused. Most people think of diabetes as a physical condition and have never really thought about the mental aspects with living with the condition. Even some people with diabetes are surprised that there are organizations like CDMH that focus on diabetes and mental health. They know that living with diabetes is hard for them, but often they are surprised to hear that their concerns are actually (and unfortunately) quite common. What is it about diabetes that is so hard? I tend to think about diabetes and mental health issues very broadly. While some people with diabetes have a mental health condition (that may or may not be related to having diabetes), there are many others who struggle with issues that are very real, but which may not meet the (sometimes arbitrary) criteria for a mental health diagnosis. Psychology is the study of how situations, emotions and relationships in our lives interact and impact our behavior. I think that this definition provides us with a framework we can use to talk about how diabetes impacts mental health. Situation Diabetes is a self-managed condition. This means that it is the person with diabetes, not their doctor, who is responsible for taking care of him or herself on a daily basis. Diabetes involves making frequent, sometimes life or death decisions under sometimes stressful and physically uncomfortable circumstances Continue reading >>

Type 1 Diabetes Puts Strain On Marriage

The study, published in Diabetes Care, was done in four focus group sessions, two with 16 adults with type 1 diabetes and two with 14 of their spouses. The intent was to gather preliminary information to guide future research in an under-studied field, says researcher Paula M. Trief, PhD, professor of medicine at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. "There is literature on the importance of relationships for patients with type 2 diabetes, but very little research on psychological and psychosocial issues of adult type 1 patients at all. They get a lot of attention when they’re kids, then it just drops off completely," she says. The findings of the study suggest that a patient’s personal relationships can affect their diabetes and that doctors should ask patients how things are going at home. In some cases, having the patient bring the partner to an office visit could allow the doctor to explain concepts to the partner as well, Trief says. In the focus groups, both patients and partners were asked two broad questions, followed by free-flowing discussion: “What are the emotional and interpersonal challenges you have experienced because you have (your partner has) type 1 diabetes?” “How does the fact that you have (your partner has) type 1 diabetes affect your relationship with your partner, positively and/or negatively?” Partner involvement ranged from very involved and supportive to “help when asked,” in which the partner is helpful when called upon but otherwise not involved. Emotionally, most patients expressed positive feelings toward the level of support they received from their spouse and a sense that the condition had brought them closer together. However, a smaller group mentioned a negative impact from the diabet Continue reading >>

Dating A Person With Type 1 Diabetes

Dating a person with type 1 diabetes brings some very unique challenges to any relationship. Of course, simply being the diabetic and dating can be difficult for some, but this article is for those non-diabetics who find themselves attracted to someone who just happens to also live with this disease. I use the word “dating” purposefully, to mark a relationship that is new or in its first few years rather than a relationship that has progressed to “living together” or marriage. The word “dating” implies that you, as the non-diabetic, are in the early stages of learning about your partner’s diabetes. While there are many experiences, stories, and perspectives, a woman named Heidi shares her experience in a 2-year relationship with a man who lived with type 1 diabetes. Her experience is one of many. Be sure to read our “Non-Diabetics Guide to Helping Loved Ones with Diabetes,” too. Ginger: When you first began dating, did you know about his type 1 diabetes from the start or was it introduced at some point? Heidi: I knew from the very first date. We were up too late talking like teenagers and he realized his blood was low. He excused himself to get a glass of milk and a snack. I had known him as a friend for an entire year prior. I did not know. I don’t think he would have told me right away, but the circumstances brought it to light early on. Ginger: When you learned about his diabetes, how did you feel? Did it change anything about how you perceived him in a negative or positive way? Heidi: I felt embarrassed that I did not know or recognize the signs that his blood sugar was low. I asked him if I should have noticed. The knowledge did not change how I felt emotionally. It did make me want to be educated. Ginger: Was he open to talking about and teachi Continue reading >>

The Romantic Toll Of Diabetes

Most people with diabetes worry about the effect the disease has on their bodies. But what about the effect it has on their relationships? More than 20 million people in the United States have diabetes, and the damage it causes to their bodies, including impeded blood flow to arteries and reduced stamina, often impacts patients’ sex lives. Yet many never discuss their unique romantic concerns with doctors. A new book from the American Diabetes Association attempts to remedy that. “Sex and Diabetes” takes a frank and sensible look at the intimate lives of people with the disease. By some estimates, from 50 percent to 80 percent of men with diabetes suffer from erectile dysfunction. A strong erection requires healthy veins and unobstructed blood flow, something many people with diabetes lack. Less is known about the sexual effects in women, although experts say women with diabetes often lose their libidos or suffer from vaginal dryness, which can lead to painful intercourse. Co-author Janis Roszler, a nutritionist, tells the story of one woman who felt guilty about having diabetes and believed her husband no longer loved her. “I brought diabetes into our life,’’ she cried to Ms. Roszler. “It’s changed how we eat; it’s changed how we go out. He should be with someone else.” The fear that diabetes is interfering with a relationship isn’t uncommon, says Ms. Roszler. One of the first strategies for managing diabetes is to change the way a person eats. But our relationships are intimately tied to food consumption — candlelight dinners signal courtship, while large family dinners woo teens to the table. It’s no wonder people with diabetes worry their relationships will change as their diets do. The book begins with a quiz to help readers determine if d Continue reading >>

The Effects Of Diabetes On Relationships

Will you leave your SO (significant other) because of diabetes? Committed relationships are hard enough. When you add a chronic illness into the mix of everyday problems, it can place undue stress on a relationship. Do you leave your spouse or partner with diabetes when the going gets tough, or do you stick it out and work together to solve problems that come up, “in sickness and in health?” These are questions you may be asking yourself if you have been going through a tough time in your relationship or marriage due to diabetes. If your partner is in a state of denial and they are refusing to participate in self-care activities or listen to their doctor, this can be quite frustrating. You may be getting burnt out from always trying to fix the right amount of carbohydrates, only to catch your other half in the back room hiding with a box of candy. Feeling like you are the “diabetes police” and always nagging drains the joy out of your relationship. The spouse of a diabetic can feel a loss of control over the future, and be afraid that they will lose their life partner. Conversely, if you are the diabetic in the match, you tend to get quite aggravated with all of the nagging and “sugar-shaming” that can be going on. Maybe your partner didn’t support you by attending diabetes education classes, and now she doesn’t seem to know that it’s ok for you to have an occasional treat. Maybe she doesn’t realize that you are having the extra carbohydrates, but you have a walk planned for after the meal. Sometimes you feel misunderstood. It’s true that diabetes can take a physical, mental and financial toll on a relationship. Remember that your overbearing and controlling partner is acting from a place of genuine caring and concern for you. Now let’s look at t Continue reading >>