Premarriage counseling in Type 1 diabetes

• Main Authors: Gagan Priya, Bharti Kalra, Emmy Grewal, Inderpreet Kaur Dardi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2018-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Subjects: Counseling; interpersonal relationships; marriage; procreation; social stigmatization; type 1 diabetes
• Online Access: http://www.ijem.in/article.asp?issn=2230-8210;year=2018;volume=22;issue=1;spage=126;epage=131;aulast=Priya

Type 1 diabetes is a challenging illness and needs lifelong diabetes self-care. At the same time, there is a significant stigma associated with it, especially with relation to marriage. There are concerns related to premarriage disclosure, marital relationship, ability to procreate, risk during pregnancy in women, and the risk of disease in children. In this document, we discuss the issue of disease-related stigma which may become a significant challenge for a prospective spouse and the impact of type 1 diabetes on marital relationships and procreation. We also highlight the need for premarriage counseling to ensure long-term success in achieving both individual and interpersonal well-being.