3 tips for celebrating Valentine's Day when living with T1D

It's almost mid-February, which means love is in the air! Valentine's Day is a fun holiday to celebrate during the depths of winter, but if you live with type 1 diabetes (t1d) — like me and millions of other folks — you've likely learned that not all celebrations linked to this day are "diabetes-friendly."

But it's entirely possible to enjoy a fun, festive, and romantic Valentine's Day when living with t1d.

Ultimately, the best way to celebrate is to simply make the day your own. Instead of feeling obligated to indulge in large boxes of chocolates or expensive dinners (complete with a fancy bottle of wine and carb-heavy menu), keep things light and fresh by focusing on your partner and the bond you share. Here are three ways to make this Valentine's Day special.

1. Satisfy the sweet tooth

What would this holiday be without a sweet treat? Instead of shying away from enjoying a Valentine's Day dessert, go ahead and have it. You can still eat all of the delicious things you want to, you might just have a smaller serving to keep your blood sugar in check.

Or, if you want to be able to eat all you want (and who doesn't, occasionally), you can opt for a diabetes-friendly dish. To keep things light and the carbohydrates low, one of my favorite desserts is a sweet dip for fruit. We call it "Fluff" at our house.

A little effort can go a long way — and this recipe definitely only requires a little effort. You only need three ingredients:

• 8 oz tub of sugar-free Cool Whip
• 1 oz Sugar-Free Instant Vanilla JELL-O
• Fruit for dipping (strawberries work great)

Simply add the JELL-O packet to the tub of Cool Whip and mix completely. Then, spoon the mixture into a fancy bowl. For a festive touch, arrange the strawberries in a heart shape. If adding chocolate is an absolute must, consider sprinkling dark chocolate shavings on top — after all, dark chocolate is known to decrease insulin resistance!

The combination gives the Cool Whip an elevated flavor without adding many carbohydrates. In fact, the entire batch only has 100 grams of carbohydrates. Simply divide that amount by the number of servings and be sure to add carbohydrates for the fruit. That's easy math!

2. Give diabetes-friendly gifts

Now that we've covered sweet treats, let's talk about gifts. As a person living with t1d, I challenge you to think outside of the proverbial chocolate box.

While chocolate isn't strictly off-limits for someone with t1d, any food that requires a "guide" to determine which piece is which (and how many carbohydrates it has) can be more stress-inducing than relaxing. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy satisfying my sweet tooth on Valentine's Day — but I also love receiving thoughtful and creative gifts, especially if they can help make my diabetes management easier.

Here are some alternate gift options that aren't food-related:

• A pretty piece of jewelry, perhaps even a stylish medical ID bracelet.
• Flowers and a handwritten card are always a safe bet.
• A beautiful tote bag that can be used to transport diabetes equipment and supplies. I've been eyeing some of the fashion-forward options from Myabetic.
• A donation in your partner's name to an organization. This can be a symbolic gift that makes a big difference. For instance, organizations like Life for a Child provide insulin and diabetes supplies to children in need.

3. Focus on experiences instead of expenses

Luckily, Valentine's Day gifts don't always need to be "bought." Lovely, thoughtful experiences can be even more memorable than gifts! Some quality time for you and your partner — away from your daily duties and the worries of the world — can have a lasting impact on you both.

Here are a few fun ideas to consider:

• Prepare a special, candle-lit, diabetes-friendly dinner at home.
• Take a spontaneous trip to the beach (or another scenic area like a park) for an afternoon drive.
• Find a serene spot to watch the sunset and enjoy a warm beverage together.
• Take a romantic stroll in a historic part of town.
• Rent a paddleboat or find a spot to kayak. If you're in colder climates, consider a day trip to the ski slopes.
• Return to a spot that has special meaning for you both, such as the site of your first date.

As a busy mom of two, these quiet moments are a chance to have a meaningful conversation with my husband while heightening my memories with a sensory experience. Amid the hustle and bustle of our work lives and family life, taking a moment to slow down and connect can feel priceless.

If you're planning to surprise your loved one with t1d with one of these experiences, it's important to keep diabetes in mind! Pack up a small emergency kit with all the essentials — and bring along some fast-acting glucose — just in case your romantic excursion turns into an epic adventure.

Looking for more tips around navigating life's special events while living with t1d? Explore the library of helpful articles on Health Insights.