A couple of days ago I went on a first date.

Now I don’t go out very often but being a Single guy, I sometimes find myself out on the dating scene.

I am a usually a traditional dater but online dating is becoming just as popular as traditional dating so I decided to try out a few  dating personals sites that my cousin recommended.

and thanks to the power of the internet, here I was with my heart in my hands meeting her for the first time.

While this was officially our first date, we had spent quite sometime chatting online and on the phone, she had been on a few  online dating sites and I was a newbie online dater but that did not stop us from hitting it off right away.

Through emails, chat  and text messages we really had gotten comfortable and the subject of my diabetes had already come up in the natural flow of our conversations.

She is a nursing student  so she is pretty much familiar with what diabetes is and what it entails but I realized on this our first date that knowing about diabetes and seeing diabetes first hand are two entirely different phases altogether.

I also believe that the circumstances are almost somewhat stranger for someone who  is exposed to it for the first time.

The things we take as second nature to us could be unnerving to someone on that first date so I came up with a few tips to follow when dating with diabetes.

1. Spread the love: Information on living with diabetes and not just general information. For example I always carry my Emergency kit wherever I go and I had an unfortunate Incident where I had to find my meter and everything almost tumbled out. Obviously I had to show her all my gadgets and everything I carry with me.

2. Make it a conversation Piece: I made my diabetes life part of the conversation, I have some engaging stories about some high days that had her in stitches. Do not be afraid to share this with your date, especially if you have to do the inevitable like a quick check of your sugars before you eat.

3. Stick to your Routine: When out on a date you should stick to your regular routine, whether it is the time you take your medications or the time you eat your meals, do not let it make you deviate from your regularity

4. Make Healthy Food Choices: Just because you are out does not mean you cannot make healthier choices, lots of veggies, ask for steamed, baked or broiled instead of fried. Stick to your diet plan. Remember to eat in moderation and take a doggy bag if the portions are higher than normal.

5. Have Fun: Remember dating is about having fun and you should have as much fun as possible.

6. Keep A sharp eye on your sugars: I added this here because I was thinking that one of the symptoms of high sugars is irritability an no one likes a grouch on a date especially a first date.

7. Stress free: Stress needs an honorable mention because it plays a factor especially for guys as you know we are looking to impress the ladies and that comes with its own stressors and eliminating those is key.

8. Go Dancing: Dancing will burn off those calories and it is a great aerobic exercise

These are just a few I could come up with I am sure that there are a few more so you are welcome to add those that I forgot.