Your social life and diabetes

Your social life should not alter much, you just need to plan and have a contingency for emergencies. You need to work with your diabetes and be aware of your daily needs. This means ensuring that you are well organised and well prepared. It is not always easy to be spontaneous and gradually you will get used to what you can and cannot do without planning in advance. If you have a car or are going out in a car, carry an emergency box (some glucose tablets, packet of biscuits or crackers, bottle of water, lucozade etc), that way you will always have a backup. If you carry a bag, take glucose tablets and some biscuits.

Make sure you tell your friends and family about your diabetes and what your needs are. This will help them to look after you and be more considerate when you say, ‘I need to stop for something to eat’, or ‘I think I am having a hypo’.

Meal times

People can panic about what they can and cannot serve you. Reassure them that your needs are similar to other people, you just have to be a bit more careful. Ask your host what he/she is serving and explain your needs and the reasons behind them.

• Make sure you know what you are going to eat and when, so that you can plan your meals around it.
• Ensure that the meal will have enough starchy foods and that there will be alternatives to some of the richer foods.
• Do not overindulge during the day if you know you will be eating a big meal in the evening.
• If the meal is late, make sure you have something when you need it, even if you cannot then eat the whole of the meal provided.
• Do not over indulge and if you intend to drink alcohol ensure you test your blood before you go to bed.
• If you are eating with friends, reassure them that your needs are similar to other people, you just have to be a bit more careful. Ask your host what he/she is serving and explain your needs and the reasons behind them
• Eating out for the first time may concern you, ask for advice from your practice nurse or diabetes nurse, but don’t be put off. Usually you can see the menu first – some good restaurants will send you a menu in advance and some have them on their web site. Choose wisely and ask how long until the meal will be served once you give the order. If necessary ask for some starchy food (e.g. bread, potatoes, crackers) if it is going to take too long and you cannot wait.