The Bitter Sweet Blog Series — Blog 7
By Schané Jacobs
“I have diabetes, not a cancellation notice on my social life!”
Let Me Enjoy My Night Out!
Can we talk about going out for a meal, meeting friends at your favourite coffee shop, or enjoying a night out without feeling as though you need to introduce yourself as “Hello, my name is Schané, and I'm a diabetic” before you even look at the menu?
Sometimes, you just want to be YOU.
You want to choose your food, enjoy your evening and have a good time without everybody watching your plate, asking questions or giving you that look when you order something sweet.
Because honestly, sometimes the last thing you want is a public discussion about your blood sugar while you're trying to enjoy your supper!
After almost 30 years of living with Type 1 diabetes, I've learned that diabetes is part of my life, but it doesn't have to be the headline of every outing.
The Art of Enjoying Yourself Without the Announcement
Let's say you're out with friends for dinner. Everyone is looking at the menu, and you spot something delicious that might not be the most diabetes-friendly choice.
Must you order a sad little salad while everybody else enjoys their meal?
Absolutely not!
You can make thoughtful choices, consider your portion sizes, account for the carbohydrates and follow your individual insulin plan. Sometimes you may choose a smaller portion; other times, you may decide that the meal you've been craving is worth enjoying with a little extra planning.
The important thing is to know your own body and manage your diabetes safely.
And you don't owe the whole table an explanation of every decision you make.
If someone asks why you're checking your glucose or taking insulin, you can explain if you want to. But you are also allowed to keep your health information private.
You can simply say, “I'm managing my health, thank you. Now, let's talk about something more exciting!”
Like dessert.
Obviously!
One Drink, Plenty of Confidence
Now, let's talk about going out for a drink.
You might want to enjoy a glass of wine or another drink with friends without making a big announcement about your diabetes.
You can take your time with your drink, sip slowly and alternate with water or another suitable sugar-free drink, such as Coke Zero.
That way, you're enjoying the evening at your own pace instead of feeling pressured to keep up with everyone else.
And let's be honest, nobody needs to know whether you're on your first drink or still enjoying that first one an hour later!
But here's the serious bit: alcohol can cause blood sugar to drop, sometimes hours later, particularly for people using insulin. Eating beforehand, monitoring your glucose and following your healthcare team's advice are important. Don't assume that having something to eat or adjusting insulin automatically makes drinking safe.
And if you don't feel like drinking alcohol at all? Don't.
You can hold a sparkling water, a Coke Zero or whatever you enjoy and still have a wonderful evening.
The aim is to have fun, not to prove anything to anyone.
And What About That Cake?
Oh, the cake!
You know the one. You're sitting at your favourite coffee shop with a friend, having a lovely conversation, when the waiter arrives carrying a slice of cake that looks as though it was sent directly from heaven.
You look at it.
It looks at you.
And suddenly, you're having a serious internal discussion.
“Should I? Shouldn't I? What will my blood sugar do? Is it worth it?”
Listen, having Type 1 diabetes doesn't mean you must spend the rest of your life staring sadly at cake through a glass cabinet.
You are human. You have cravings, favourite foods and moments when you want to enjoy something simply because it tastes delicious.
You can include treats in your life while managing your diabetes thoughtfully. That means considering the carbohydrates, following your prescribed insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio where applicable, and remembering that high-fat treats can sometimes affect glucose levels later than expected.
Please don't guess at extra insulin or take more just because you want to eat something sweet. More insulin than your body needs can cause a dangerous low.
Enjoy the cake, but plan for it safely. You don't need to punish yourself for wanting it.
And if today you decide the cake isn't for you, that's perfectly fine too. The choice is yours.
Diabetes Is Part of Me, Not All of Me
Here is what I really want you to remember.
You can live with diabetes and still enjoy restaurants, coffee dates, birthdays, celebrations and spontaneous nights out.
You can take care of your health without turning every meal into a battle.
You can make sensible decisions without feeling guilty for being human.
And you can protect your privacy without feeling ashamed of your condition.
I am not suggesting that we ignore diabetes or pretend it doesn't matter. We know how serious it can be. I certainly do.
I'm saying that we deserve a life beyond our glucose readings.
We deserve laughter, good food, friendships, romance, celebrations and the occasional slice of cake that makes us close our eyes after the first bite.
After almost 30 years with Type 1 diabetes, I still want to enjoy my life. I still want to go out, try things, make memories and be the woman I am — not just the woman managing an illness.
So, next time you're out enjoying yourself, remember this:
You are allowed to have fun. You are allowed to enjoy food. You are allowed to make your own choices, with care and a little planning.
And you don't have to explain your entire medical history to everyone sitting around your table.
I am Schané. I have Type 1 diabetes. I take it seriously, but I refuse to let it take away every little pleasure in life.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a coffee date to plan.
And if there's cake on the menu, well, we'll see!
❤️
Until next time,
Schané Jacobs
Author of My Bitter Sweet Struggle: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Truth of My Life with Diabetes.
Health note: This blog shares personal perspectives, not individual medical advice. Alcohol, food and insulin can affect blood glucose in different ways. Follow your diabetes care plan and consult your healthcare team about safe choices for you.
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