Navigating Relationships with Diabetes: Part 5 | Partnering Up at Endo Appointments

When it comes to relationships and diabetes, there are a lot of things to consider. 

One question that doesn't get nearly enough love?

“Should your partner come with you to your endocrinologist appointments?”

This is a personal decision that everyone has to make for themselves, but based on the experiences of some people living with diabetes, it seems that the answer is typically, no.

Why is this? 

Well, for one thing, doctor's appointments can take a really long time. Sitting in a waiting room for 45 minutes to an hour is not uncommon, and that's not even counting the time spent in the exam room itself. And let's be real, that's not exactly the most romantic or exciting way to spend time with your significant other.

But beyond that...

There's also the fact that diabetes can be a really personal and private thing. Some people feel uncomfortable sharing all the details of their medical care with anyone, even someone they love and trust. 

And then there's the issue of control - when you're at the doctor's office, your partner can't really do anything to help you manage your diabetes in real-time. They're just there to listen and support, which can be helpful, but isn't necessarily crucial.

Of course, this is all just one perspective. Some people might really appreciate having their partner there with them at appointments, either for emotional support or because they find it helpful to have an extra set of ears listening to what the doctor has to say. And if that's the case, then by all means, go ahead and invite your partner to come along.

But regardless of what you decide about doctor's appointments...

It's important to remember that everyone's relationship with diabetes is different. Some people might be very open and comfortable talking about it with their partners, while others might prefer to keep things more private. And that's okay! Ultimately, the most important thing is that you and your partner have open and honest communication about how you're feeling and what you need from each other.

So, what about parents of teens with diabetes? 

This is a whole other ballgame. It's one thing to navigate the ins and outs of diabetes as an adult in a relationship, but when you're a teenager, things get even more complicated. Not only are you dealing with all the usual teenage angst and drama, but you've also got a chronic medical condition to manage on top of it all.

It's important to approach things with empathy and understanding. Your teenager might be feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with their diabetes, and that's totally normal. It's important to validate their feelings and let them know that you're there to support them, no matter what.

At the same time...

It's also important to encourage your teen to take ownership of their diabetes care. This can be a tricky balance to strike - you want to be supportive and involved, but you also don't want to micromanage or become a helicopter parent. Finding the right balance might take some trial and error, but ultimately, your goal should be to help your teen become as independent and self-sufficient as possible when it comes to managing their diabetes.

Overall, whether you're in a relationship or raising a child with diabetes, the most important thing is to remember that everyone's experience is different. There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to managing diabetes and relationships, but by being open and communicative, you can find what works best for you and your loved ones.