Howdy.  By daughter was just dx w/ T1.  I grew tired quickly of taking her to the restroom (which are usually pretty dirty) to test and inject.  So we started doing it in public.  We talked about how she shouldn't hide it b/c it is part of who she is.  We have actually have had other people come up to her and share their stories.  But it dawned on me that it might cause some conflit.  Any thoughts?:)

Hi Heidi!

I'm so glad that you're reaching out to Diabetic communities. It took me about 10 years to reach out.

The only issue I've gotten with injecting in public has been some "stares" from others. Sometimes they will come up to me and ask me questions and I've been "reprimanded" a few times from onlookers because they thought it was "gross", but I stand firm that it is something that I HAVE to do and "If you don't like it, LOOK AWAY."

It's not anything obscene, or nudity or even harsh language- it's a fact of life. And if more of us openly show that we have to inject TO LIVE, then maybe we will be noticed more. We only make up a measely 10% of the whole diabetic population and we don't get NEARLY enough media attention.

She might become self-conscious of it later in life when she is more aware of her surroundings (like teenage years) and don't be discouraged if she resorts to injecting under the table or in the restroom again.

I think you're doing a good job. Keep her proud of who she is. T1D doesn't HAVE to slow you down- and it really shouldn't. There are so many other things to worry about rather than complete STRANGERS' opinions.

That's my two cents.

I think as long as your daughter is OK testing and treating in public then it should not matter.  I have been Type 1 for almost twenty years and the bottom line is that it is sometimes not convenient to do these things in private.  I think all diabetics have gotten "the stare" at some point, but its important to remember that your health is more important than someone's opinion of you. 

Good luck to Hailey!

Melinda  

Proudmama at 11:31AM on Sep 02, 2009

Howdy.  By daughter was just dx w/ T1.  I grew tired quickly of taking her to the restroom (which are usually pretty dirty) to test and inject.  So we started doing it in public.  We talked about how she shouldn't hide it b/c it is part of who she is.  We have actually have had other people come up to her and share their stories.  But it dawned on me that it might cause some conflit.  Any thoughts?:)

I think I may be weird. I discuss diabetes with others like any other important part of my life. It is not something I chose or did wrong. Perhaps I am not weird but I have a poor attitude toward other peoples acceptance (or non-acceptance) of my need to inject. I took me 2 days to start injecting in public. I just dont really care what others think as they are snooping in my direction.

I guess if something needs to be hidden and done in private then we are more likely to avoid it because it seems to be shameful or inconvenient.

Health is more important than being concerned about stares. Actually, I find it an opportunity to educate people when they approach me. But then again, I have not had anyone be unpleasant because of public injections.

One cool experience .... Within my first weeks of getting used to diabetes and daily tasks, I wondered why this young girl was staring at me across the restaurant. I had my injection pen on the table but had not taken an injection yet. As she moved closer, I noticed she too had an injection pen. She was excited to find  showed me hers and ask about my diabetes. (what type of insulin I use, how long I had diabetes, etc)  If I had hidden my injection set, we never would have shared that moment.  I instantly felt a bond with her. What a wonderful experience (and perfect timing)! Oh to be so curious and open like this little girl.

While I was growing up my mom, little sister and I had to take injections at the same time. So in restaurants we would all finish eating and B line it to the restroom to inject. Now adays I'm on a pump so I no longer have to inject but I need to test before I eat. For the most part I just test at the table. I don't like to hide it. When I was in middle and high school I would even test at the lunch table. A few times some of my classmates would stare and give the occasional "EW!, That's gross.,Can't you do that somewhere else?" To my response of why don't you look the other way then? Anyways.. I think you're doing the right thing, letting her test in public and not hiding will help her when she is doing it all on her own.

Thank you, Ladies, for your two cents worth.  It helps alot!  I want her to grow up being strong, independent, and comfortable with who she is.  Knowing that there are beautiful ladies, like yourselves, out there gives me hope!

My son is 5 and we did the whole "go to the bathroom" thing at first too!  Then one day I thought, why should we be running to the bathroom?????  Shortly after, we started just doing it at the table, if someone does not like it, they can look away.  I have NEVER had anything negative come from this!  I often have people compliment my son on how brave and tough he is!  He loves the attention, and I really think it makes him feel like a big kid!  I say test and inject wherever you want!  Go for it!

I've been injecting my daughter's insulin in public ever since her diagnosis. Yes I do get people looking at me like I'm crazy. So far I have never had anyone come up to me and ask questions. But if they ever do say anything to me I will tell them its her way of life and I don't need to hid it!! 

Carolina 

Mommy to Elisabeth 

DX Type 1 4/4/08