"I went to sleep with gum in my mouth and now there's gum in my hair and when I got out of bed this morning I tripped on the skateboard and by mistake I dropped my sweater in the sink while the water was running and I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day."

For some folks, diabetes can turn a lovely evening into a "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad…date!" When you are out for a romantic evening, diabetes always tags along as an unwelcome chaperone:
Jerry and Audrey were enjoying a meal at their favorite restaurant. He ordered a diet drink but was sure that the waiter had brought him a regular Coke, which he accidentally consumed without thinking. Jerry didn't know what to expect, but decided to cut the evening short just in case he had to nurse a high blood sugar level back to normal. Needless to say, Audrey was not pleased.

Diabetes can affect the foods you choose, the plans you make, the sweetness of your breath, the sweatiness of your palms, the way you feel after a shared game of tennis, and even find its way into private physical moments. .

"We were getting a bit romantic when Kevin suddenly became pale and looked dazed. I didn't know what to do at first, but quickly realized that his blood sugar might be low. I offered him some juice, which helped."--Cindy.

Don't let diabetes cramp your dating style. Here are some suggestions to help boost your confidence in the romance department:

• Plan your activities in advance
  Don't go too long without a meal or snack. This will help you keep unexpected low blood sugar symptoms from appearing. Test your blood sugar level prior to going out; if you're nervous, your blood glucose levels may misbehave. Be prepared for the unexpected, such as a delayed meal, and carry emergency snacks in your purse or pocket. If you plan to inject yourself while at a restaurant, consider bringing an insulin pen; it is discreet and easy to use.

• Help keep your sweating to a minimum
  Certain foods may increase your sweating level. These include spicy foods, chocolate, cheese, red wine, red sausages and soft drinks. If you anticipate a problem, steer clear of these items.

• Keep your breath kissably sweet
  Blood sugar levels of 250mg/dl or higher (13.9 mmol/L), are often accompanied by a fruity breath odor. Normalize your blood sugar levels and take care of your dental hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth. Have your teeth cleaned at least twice a year. Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol, which can irritate your gums. Dr. Steven V. Edelman, recommends an inexpensive homemade mouthwash made of half hydrogen peroxide and half water. It gets rid of odor-causing bacteria like a charm.

• Limit your alcohol
  Alcohol can rapidly lower blood sugar levels. To help reduce this effect, consume alcoholic beverages with food and test your glucose level frequently. Remember, everything in moderation. One to two drinks is normally a safe amount, but your personal limit may differ-some people tolerate more, some less.

  For more ways to keep diabetes from giving you terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days, explore the quizzes, advice, personal stories, discussion topics and humor in The Secrets of Living and Loving with Diabetes…Three Experts Answer Questions You've Always Wanted to Ask, by Janis Roszler, RD, CDE, LD/N, William Polonsky, PhD., CDE, and Steven V. Edelman, MD.

  (Originally published in the eDiets.com Living With Diabetes newsletter.)