Tips for Dating Someone with Type 1 Diabetes

Tips for Dating Someone with Type 1 Diabetes

If you’re pursuing a long-term relationship with someone living with type 1 diabetes, here are a few meaningful ways to show care and make them feel truly supported. At the very least, they deserve to feel like a partner—not a burden. Compassion and respect should be the baseline.

These tips come from 21 years of lived experience with type 1 diabetes, over a decade of dating experience, and spending over six years in a committed relationship.

Here are my top tips for dating someone with type 1 diabetes:

Celebrate their Diaversaries (if They're Into That)

A diaversary marks the anniversary of a type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Some people love to recognize the occasion—others prefer not to. If your partner’s into it, set a calendar reminder and plan something meaningful. Celebrate how far they’ve come, the strength they show every day, and how proud you are to love someone who faces T1D with courage and resilience. It’s more than a date—it’s a reminder of everything they’ve overcome.

Create a space where they feel comfortable sharing about the highs & lows

Type 1 diabetes comes with a lot of ups and downs—sometimes too many, too often, with no break in between. People with T1D need space to vent about those moments without added pressure, shame, blame, or judgment. Having a partner who simply listens and supports can mean everything. No one wants to feel weighed down by the person they love. In any relationship, especially when managing something as relentless as T1D, lifting each other up is everything.

Ask what their needs are & how they want to be supported

Some people with type 1 diabetes prefer a more hands-on partner—someone who’s involved with things like insulin injections, CGM readings, or attending doctor appointments. Others may be more independent and simply appreciate being asked how they’re doing. The key is open, ongoing communication. Support needs and preferences can shift over time, so check in with each other often—and expect the same in return.

Learn diabetes community lingo

Look, we get it—you’re not expected to be as immersed in the diabetes community as we are. But learning the basics does go a long way. Understanding the language we use matters. Learn about people-first language (like saying “person with diabetes” instead of “diabetic”), and why it matters. Get familiar with issues like equity in care and the challenges many face accessing insulin and technology. A little effort shows a lot of love—and respect. AND partnership! These small acts tell us “we’re in this together.”

Learn about type 1 diabetes

Even if your partner is highly independent and doesn’t need much day-to-day help, taking the time to learn about type 1 diabetes can go a long way. Understanding their unique management style—whether they use an insulin pump, prefer multiple daily injections (MDI), or wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)—shows that you care. What do those tools mean? How can you best support them during a sick day or tough moment? The more you understand, the more connected and supportive your relationship will become. And the less personal those emotional & physical highs & lows will feel together!

Keep low snacks on you at all times

Nothing is sexier than a partner who’s prepared. Even the most diligent self-managers need a break—or forget things sometimes. One of the most thoughtful things you can do? Learn their favorite low blood sugar treatment. Keep a stash at your place if you don’t live together, toss some in your car, or grab extras when you’re out shopping. Small gestures like these mean so much to someone living with type 1 diabetes.

Just be there with them

Sometimes, all we need is someone to sit with us through a low blood sugar episode—just to make sure we’re okay. If you can’t be there in person, a quick call or thoughtful text can mean the world. It’s a simple way to remind them they’re not alone on this wild ride with type 1 diabetes. Brownie points for learning how to use glucagon! (Everyone should know how to use glucagon in my opinion.)

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While I speak from my personal experience living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), I imagine many of these tips for dating someone with diabetes resonate with those navigating life with type 2 diabetes (T2D) as well. Everyone affected by diabetes is welcome to participate in this conversation.

What advice would you offer to partners pursuing a romantic relationship with someone who has diabetes?