Diabetes

[whitestar75]

Hi all,

I am completely new to this so be gentle.

I have diabetes......on the outside I look like any other guy and I keep it under control very well.

My question is would a russian lady be put off with someone with diabetes?

whitestar75

[acctBill]

I'll try to be gentle.  It really depends on several things.  How old are you? A RW will probably be more accepting of something like diabetes if you are older, 50+, for the simple fact that everyone has health problems the older they get. A RW might also be more accepting if she also has some type of health problem.  Give some more information and we can provide a more realistic response.   

[whitestar75]

Ok, more info

Age: 35

Diabetes controlled by tablets.  Am fit and lead a healthy lifestyle for obvious reasons and all my equipment still works.

Let me know if you want any other info.....though I can't think what 

[Shadow]

Controlled by tablets means it is a relatively light version, hoewever it is a condition that needs constant attention. Diabetes is usually coupled with a large scale of health problems, which could be an extra hurdle for RW to accept you.
The most important thing is that you manage to control the temper issues which are a result from the blood sugar.

[whitestar75]

Temper issues???  thats a new one on me.

I have a VERY long fuse for my temper....infact I am quite laid back.

Interesting though.

[SMS60]

The real question is.....Why have you placed these women so high on the pole? What makes you think they are so much better than you?

[Shadow]

Temper issues???  thats a new one on me.

I have a VERY long fuse for my temper....infact I am quite laid back.

Interesting though.

I have had experience with a number of people with diabetes who would as a result change from a very laid back to a flash of rage in an instant when blood sugar was high, and change back five minutes later. According to some medical information it was related.

[BC]

If you have pets, she might not like you sleeping in bed with your shoes on.

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/08/dog_eats_rockford_mans_big_toe.html

[blackjacks53]

If you have pets, she might not like you sleeping in bed with your shoes on.

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/08/dog_eats_rockford_mans_big_toe.html

  I guess he is thinking of marketing dog treats that resemble big toes.  He was a big hit hit here on the radio shows in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

[FredC]

It hasn't been  a problem for me. I do think that some of the ladies don't quite understand our diet restrictions, like say not wanting to share a dessert or limiting our alcohol consumption. The later is often seen as a good thing though.

[Boethius]

I suggest you let women know right away that you have diabetes.  That way, if it's an issue, neither of you will be wasting your time.

[whitestar75]

FINALLY!! two sensible answers.

Thankyou for your wisdom.....much appreciated 

[ECOCKS]

I would downplay it (not cover it) by just saying you take regular medication and always drink in moderation and do not eat many sweets.

If you make a big deal of it she will also and it doesn't sound like it really impacts your life, only a few personal options and choices along the path.

[Boethius]

I disagree, Ed.  I would say "I am diabetic.  It is not severe.  I take pills rather than insulin to control it."

[ECOCKS]

To each their own.

For a first meeting, I wouldn't go out of my way to talk about chronic medical conditions. Like I said, don't cover it up or lie about it, just simple acknowledgment which explains the diet and alcohol warnings would be my recommendation.

[Ravens9273]

Whitestar75

I am diabetic and same age as you. Was never a problem in dating and sure was not a problem with FSUW.

I am also married a a UW. Do not even pay attention to it or let anyone tell you it is an issue. They would not know unless they had it and it was no issues for me period. Just be yourself.

[Ludmila]

Whitestar,

Don't worry , please. Everything will be fine. You simply have to find a smart and educated one.

In America it is very easy for people  to develop diabetes, if they don't take precautions and do not educate themselves and change their nutrition habits. So, I rather think it is better to "overdo" than "underdo" with precautions. For your lady not less than for you.

If you read the sites where Russian ladies share about their impressions about life in America,you will see that the majority is conscious about healthy/unhealthy eating habits.

My advice to you (and any other man for this matter) would be to warn the lady coming from FSU  that the lifestyle here is different, and if she doesn't respect the limitations this lifestyle imposes, she will end up with a number of unwanted pounds sooner than she will notice. So, better if she listens to you, because the limitations of a diabetic person are actually the ones for the people who want to stay in shape.

I have never been diabetic or shown any inclinations to this condition. But I have always kept "my ears and eyes on the alert" in this sense, because I have always wanted to stay in shape, which I am. For that end, you have to agree to certain limitations ( which, to a great extent, coincide with the diet of a diabetic person). When I came here ( almost 9 years ago), I gasped when I saw what my husband and his relatives chose for nutrition. My husband almost came close to developing diabetes, according to the data and bloodwork. I was very consistent and categorical in my effort he drastically change this nutrition. Which he did. As a result, his sugar is in norm , and  he doesn't have to take any pills. As a bonus, his blood pressure pill became unnecessary too. His doctor is still amazed.  5 years without the blood pressure pill. Excellent cholesterol level. He is an avid sportsman. Leads a very active life, and LOVES ME !!!!!!!!!!!

[Blues Fairy]

You simply have to find a smart and educated one.

In America it is very easy for people  to develop diabetes, if they don't take precautions and do not educate themselves and change their nutrition habits.

An educated one would know that in case of type 1 diabetes (which is probably what the OP has since he's still young), eating habits are very unlikely to have any role in the onset of the disease.  More likely, genetics, triggered in some cases by stress or some other illness.  Healthy lifestyle and discipline are indeed important in controlling type 1 diabetes, but may not be too helpful in preventing it. 

[Sculpto]

For a first meeting,

Ed is right.  This is not an appropriate topic for a first date.. even second and maybe even third.  It becomes appropriate when there is discussion of a relationship.  If it is not a thread changer.. I would also ask.. at what point is it ok to ask about STDs?

[Ravens9273]

There is nothing wrong with talking about diabetes on a first date. Is a first date not a time to get to know a person?
I have never had a person take off and run because of it. We are not talking about HIV here.
Besides to wait it out and mention it makes a person not look honest. Due some here feel it is a better time to bring it
up after the other person decides to cook you a meal or something? Only to find out you cannot eat it etc...

Just amazed people feel it should not be mentioned in the begining.
However as speaking from someone who does actually have it. I have no problem mentioning it. I have never had someone reject me for it and I do not see why everyone is making it a big deal.
As well mine had nothing to do with eating habits. It was obtained at a young age and I am in excellent shape. I spend 5 or 6 days a week weight lifting.

[Sculpto]

Ravens.. in my view its just not a very interesting topic for a first date.. to me that is the time to flirt and have fun and be romantic.. discussions of medical issues and future plans don't really seem appropriate to me at that stage.  But.. if it worked for you no harm no foul.. anyway.. I have some medical conditions myself.. in particular my back.. I never bring it up on a first date and its never been an issue when I brought it up later..

[Boethius]

An educated one would know that in case of type 1 diabetes (which is probably what the OP has since he's still young), eating habits are very unlikely to have any role in the onset of the disease.  More likely, genetics, triggered in some cases by stress or some other illness.  Healthy lifestyle and discipline are indeed important in controlling type 1 diabetes, but may not be too helpful in preventing it. 

Although more common in those who neglect their health, even Type 2 diabetes can arise in healthy people.  My father's brother died of complications from Type 2 diabetes in the 1960's.  He was young (31), never overweight (a farm boy who worked a lot of manual labour), and had an excellent diet, mostly eggs, oatmeal, fresh water fish, and farm grown vegetables. 

[Ludmila]

Whitestar,

just to make sure, the point I was trying to make, that if your lady understands  the idea and accepts her limitations ( and better follow them herself to stay healthy), it will work for both of you.

BF, as much as I like your posts ( usually), I cannot help mentioning that your inputs would "look" much more attractive and condusive for discussion if you abstained from picking on  people trying to deminish their dignity. Otherwise, you will end up with the reputation of THE ONLY educated one on this board.  

[ECOCKS]

Ed is right.  This is not an appropriate topic for a first date.. even second and maybe even third.  It becomes appropriate when there is discussion of a relationship.  If it is not a thread changer.. I would also ask.. at what point is it ok to ask about STDs?

Hmmm, tell her about an STD?

I'd say you'd need to disclose that just before taking the plunge and making a first date OR letting the conversation begin to focus on the future possibilities of a LTR physical relationship. She's not going to appreciate getting too caught up in you THEN hearing something like that. Unlike diabetes it is something that potentially affects her health and would be a constant limiting factor on a portion of her life if it progressed, a real dealbreaker for most folks.

So, diabetes, later after med and limits discussion, STD, pretty early on after meeting her (even over the Internet).

[Sculpto]

Hmmm, tell her about an STD?

I was thinking more about asking about her status.. last time if ever tested.. etc..