Diabetes on your wedding day

​If you’re reading this you are probably close to the happiest day of your life! Congrats!
 
Diabetes never takes a day off- not even on your wedding day. Everyday diabetes is about preparation and your wedding day is no different. By reading this, you are already off to a great start! I’m sharing some tips with you that can help you enjoy your special day even while diabetes lurks in the background. 

THE DRESS
You want to look your absolute best on your wedding day. MY advice is to pick out whatever dress you love! Do not let diabetes choose the dress for you! Once you have found THE DRESS, you can figure out where diabetes fits in.
 
If you wear a pump:

• If you are reading this with enough time, you can have your seamstress sew a pocket into your dress for safekeeping and easy access. (My personal favorite option) 
• If the dress allows, clipped to the center of your bra is an option.
• There are many garters on the market that can hold your insulin pump strapped to your leg. Even a regular wedding garter will work if it is strong enough.​

FOOD

• MAKE SURE TO EAT BREAKFAST! Before all the craziness begins, make it a priority to have a well-balanced breakfast! From there feel free to dive into the festivities but breakfast is a must on this special day because you can’t be sure when your next full meal will be. Sure, there will be plenty of opportunities to have a snack or correct a low but there’s no telling how many hours will pass between meals.  
• Count carbs ahead of time. Since you most likely picked the menu for your wedding, count your carbs ahead of time. Ask your cake-maker how many carbs in a slice. Having a veggie tray during hair & makeup? Count ahead. It’s all about being prepared.
• I remember on my wedding day every time I would sit down to eat, someone would pull me away. Posing for pictures, saying hello to family, answering questions, etc. Make sure to give yourself a moment to have dinner even if you have to step into another room away from distractions. You won’t have the fuel you need to enjoy the rest of the night if you don’t have dinner.
• Alcohol in moderation. If you don’t normally drink, I wouldn’t start on your wedding day. Alcohol makes it tricky to gauge blood sugars. Stick to drinks that you would normally drink and have experience with.
• Enjoy every aspect of your special day! That includes food!

Bag of supplies:

• Make sure to have extra supplies in case of emergency! Extra pump sites, insulin, syringes, glucometer, glucagon!! Basically, everything you would need if there was a zombie apocalypse. I recommend a beautiful Myabetic bag to match the occasion. 

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Assign a helper:

• It is so important to have support on a day like your wedding day. Assign someone to help you and let them know what protocols you would want them to follow. You might want them to be in charge of your supply bag. If you wear a Dexcom you may want them to be alert of your Dexcom share. If you wear a Freestyle Libre show them how to use the scanner. If you check manually, maybe they can set alarms to remind you to check. Whatever works for you!

​Low Snacks

• Make sure to have your low snack of choice with you at all times. Have your assigned helper stock the hair/makeup room. Have it stocked at your table during the reception. Also, you can easily hide some gummies or glucose tabs in your bouquet because you never know when you will need it. Weddings are full of emotions which can make your BG respond.

 
As I always say, Diabetes is a piece of me but not all of me. It’s easy to let T1D take over and defeat you at times. With lots of preparation and support, T1D won’t win on YOUR special day. I hope this article gives you the confidence to enjoy your wedding day no matter what! Congratulations! XO