Q: You’ve been in a serious relationship for some time. When/how did you and your boyfriend meet? Did you tell him you had T1D right away? Why or why not?

A: Shafiyq and I met in my sophomore year/his junior year of college. I don’t think there was ever a defining moment where I was like, “Hey, I also have type 1 diabetes.” It wasn’t something that we talked about all that often. He didn’t understand the severity of it and that there was a difference between type 1 and type 2. I know that I never tried to hide it from him, though. He’s said that he really didn’t truly understand what T1D was for a while until he started coming to some Breakthrough T1D events and seeing how very real it was. He very much had a type 2 view of what diabetes was in the beginning. He has learned a lot over the years!

Q: What tips would you give to others when it comes to dating/romantic relationships in your experience?

A: I don’t think anyone should ever feel ashamed or hide who they are. If they aren’t familiar with T1D, help them understand! Just be yourself! If that person is right for you, they’ll be willing to support you, try to understand, and learn more about it.

Q: Any relationship stories related to having T1D that stick out in your mind?

A: I forget what exactly we were talking about, but I remember one time nearing our 3rd anniversary he made a comment to me and said, “We’ve had it [T1D] for three years now…” and it took me by surprise. I never really thought of it in that way – like, it’s not just me who has T1D, we do. We’re in this together. That was probably the most comforting thing I have ever been told. And now another three years later, sometimes I’ll get frustrated with something like having high blood sugars for a few hours that just won’t come down, or any other T1D frustration, and he will say, “Me too.” Even though he doesn’t have T1D, those two words can be some of the most comforting words to hear.

Q: Any tips for significant others of those with T1D?
A: Be patient. T1D affects everything. Just really try to be patient, listen to them, and understand.

Q: Having T1D and working for Breakthrough T1D, do you ever take the time to disconnect from the issue? How do you practice self-care?

A: You know, I think about this every now and then. It’s really hard! T1D truly has its foot in every aspect of my life, and with going to work at Breakthrough T1D every day, there’s really not much time that I can get away from it and not think about it for a little bit. There are so many more positives than negatives to this though. Sharing T1D supplies among coworkers, the boss understanding why you’re running late because of a morning low, and getting to interact every single day with those in the T1D community who know the constant burden that T1D can have.

Now that I’m an adult, I really care about my health a lot more than when I was an invincible teenager. I do what I need to do, and always strive to be better than I was yesterday.