Relationship makeover

Does diabetes feel like a third wheel in your romantic life?

Don’t let your diabetes take control

Don’t let diabetes interfere with your love life. You can keep the romance alive with these strategies from relationship experts.

Establish expectations

People with diabetes often feel more comfortable managing their condition independently, but that can worry loved ones. Be proactive. Identify and advocate for ways in which your partner can help, and discuss areas where they should not interfere. This may help to alleviate tension before it even starts. For example, says psychologist Mark Heyman, who also has type 1, he and his wife had to negotiate how to handle hypoglycaemic episodes. They have agreed on a strategy for times when Heyman’s wife worries he isn’t taking care of himself. Their plan: she can ask him to check his blood glucose and drink juice – without question – if she suspects he’s low.

“Agreeing ahead of time made her more comfortable and navigating lows much easier,” Heyman says.

Lead by example

If a spouse interrogates your every decision, it can feel like you’re living with a parent and not with a partner. Lead by example, says Janet Rozler, a marriage and family therapist. Instead of snapping back, thank them for the concern.

“Shift to a new dance,”

Rozler says. Break the cycle by responding differently next time your partner does something you’re not crazy about. See how they change, too.

Keep the romance alive

Diabetes can feel all-consuming. But don’t let it quash your love life. Keep the sparks flying with gestures such as date nights and

lots of physical affection. ■