Are You Embarrased?
By KrauseHome
@KrauseHome (36447)
United States
June 29, 2007 1:54am CST
During the many years I have been discussing diabetes subjects with my fellow and felloweens (LOL) diabetics, the subject and fact that we have diabetes often seems bring up the question if we should it let be known that we have diabetes or should we keep it hidden?
In particular when we need to test or take a needle in a public place like a restaurant. Some say don't do it there go to thewashroom.
The washroom is the last place you should ever consider to take a needle or test since it is loaded with possible bacterials.
In the first place in a restaurant people pay very little attention to others there. Even if noticed, most people don't want to get involved with the problems of other people. I have never had any problem taking my needle there just before the meal. I have taken needles in airplanes busses and other places open to the public.
Then there is the question of keeping the fact that we are having diabetes a secret. I have never hidden that from anyone. It is nothing to be ashamed of. Not only that, it may cost you your life someday. If the people around you know you have diabetes and you would feel bad they will help you to prevent you from going under.
If they don't know that, important minutes may be wasted during which you may go unconcious with a low.
What is your opinion on these subjects and what for experiences did you have with the above mentioned subjects? Are you like me who hides in a Bathroom a lot of the time, or do you let everyone know and not be ashamed and shoot your Insulin anywhere you are?
5 people like this
14 responses
@Gwapako_28 (2140)
• Philippines
30 Jun 07
My 76 years old father is a diabetic.And i can see how much he suffer about this.But i am happy that he dont ever shot an insulin.His doctor advise him to take 3 medicines and a vitamins everyday.
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
12 May 08
Yes, taking control of your life as a Diabetic is important, and glad your father listens and is taking care of himself.
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
29 Jun 07
I would hope that many would ask the owner of an establishment if they could use a room that was private so they could administer their medicines. Using a bathroom is for such purposes is very unsanitary and could cause more health problems. Otherwise, the person should not hesitate to administer their medicines in public if there wasn't an option available to them other than the rest room.
3 people like this
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
27 Apr 08
Personally, I am not sure I would have the guts to go ask someone somewhere if there is a place I can test or inject insulin besides a restroom. I know at work I have used the breakroom from time to time. The main problem is having people coming in there all of the time, and I have had some complain if they catch me.
So it is a hard decision to know what to do for sure.
@GardenGerty (160996)
• United States
29 Jun 07
I am not diabetic, but I do remember when you kept secrets like the fact you were diabetic, or epileptic. Certain disorders were considered to be part of a moral failure or some such--diabetes from eating too much sugar, for instance. It is important that people around you know that you have a health problem, and how to check it, and what to do about it if there is a problem. Am I to understand, from this discussion, that you take the type of insulin that is given before a meal and you must begin eating within thirty minutes? I think it is important that people know how to test your blood sugar, and that is pretty unobtrusive, it is no more noticeable than a cell phone. If I were to go to a wash room, I would probably wipe the area down I am working at with a sanitizer gel before getting my needle and stuff out. I would consider not using my needle in the dining room because it will make some people squeamish. That is the biggest thing. I work in a situation where one of my clients is diabetic, but only has to have insulin occasionally right before bed. One of the other team members freaks out if she has to have insulin, the employee has been trained, but does not have the stomach for doing the injection. It takes a lot for her to test, as well. Personally, I am glad I have this training, as my sister and niece are both diabetic, and neither one of them is very compliant about what they eat.I would want to be able to help them.
2 people like this
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
1 Jul 07
Some Great comments here my friend. I know there are people that would be Squeemish. That is why I tend to try and Shoot the insulin when people are not around. Some people get curious though when I test to see what I am doing, but even my husband does not want to inject the Insulin for me, so for now I hope I never get to that point where I am too sick to want to do it myself. But I still feel more Diabetic education should be taught to people to make them more aware of others around them.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160996)
• United States
1 Jul 07
I am trying to make choices that will keep me from going even so far as to be what they are calling "pre diabetic" here. My dad has become diabetic, my mom did too, though she denied it. Periodically they say my brother should watch it. My sister and niece are insulin dependent. I could become obsessive about foods and such if I were in that situation. I would be cutting white flour and sugar, and eating lean meat, and getting even more exercise, and sleeping appropriately. If I go that direction, I am not going without a fight. I know it cannot necessarily be stopped however.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
11 Jul 07
Some very good comments and thoughts. I know it can be a Fight and struggle, but I continue on and hope for the best.
1 person likes this
@navtech (1773)
• India
29 Jun 07
I am a diabetic patient for the last 30 years. I never felt shame to tell anybody I am diabetic patient. Further in India more than 40% people are diabetic patient. People around me are all knew that I am diabetic patient. I have been taking tablets during the morning and evening to control my diabetic for the last 30 years. Morning walk and other exerise I do. Though I have sugar more 356 I do not use needle. Of late I am able to control my sugar through YOGA. Previously I never knew by doing YOGA one can control sugar. For the last one month without taking sugar tablets I am leading a normal life without any problem of diabetic smptom. After practicing YOGA I started feeling I am mentally and bodily alter person. I do not want to advise anybody to do YOGA to control the sugar but my experience is true.
3 people like this
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
11 Jul 07
Interesting. I have never heard of doing Yoga to help with Diabetic control, but I am sure that it could help improve things as all Excercise is good for helping control.
@wachit14 (3595)
• United States
29 Jun 07
I think it should be openly discussed, but the taking of any medication should probably be done in private. Discussing a disease is helping to educate other people who may not have much information and you are right; knowing that someone may go into shock and knowing what to do could save a person's life.
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
27 Apr 08
Well, I know there are many who wish it could be always done in private, but at the same time, I wonder if others ever think... what if it was me, how would I feel? But you are right that you should never hide it from others as well just in case of an Emergency as well.
@8ctavarium (552)
• Australia
30 Jun 07
Felloweens = LOL!
Its not you should be embarrased with, after you are still human beings just like every one there and should be treated and viewed equally (although some people dont understand this statement). But in saying that, some people just can't stand seeing needles and such and so doing needles in public may not be appropriate for some whereas in the bathroom such be avoided. I think at the end of the day, if your desparate and you really need to inject, just do it, im sure people would understand that is a must and could be life-threatening if you don't. If it was up to me, I wouldn't mind at all, as I do understand why you need to. Unfortunately not many people do and will start making trouble if they find out that you have diabetics. Just do it!
2 people like this
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
12 May 08
Some very good thoughts here indeed. I know it is to the point of where people should not care as long as I am Healthy when I do this, and it is a part of maintaining my health just like anything else we do.
@rsa101 (38166)
• Philippines
1 Jul 07
I am a diabetic although still at its early stages where everything is under control. I do not hide the fact that I am diabetic although I do not broadcast to evertyone that I have one. In cases where I need to tell them that I have the disease do i really divulge my true health condition. I really think we should not be shy about it since its important that anyone must know so that in case of emergency they also are aware of my condition.
@KatieS (503)
• United States
1 Jul 07
My husband is a juvenile diabetic of 30 years. He checks his blood and takes his shot before we even enter the restaurant. He's not embarrassed of being diabetic, he just feels that the whole "blood" situation is not for public places. He does not announce everywhere he goes that he's diabetic, but people catch on when he's at work checking his blood or he might have to stop and snack and some will ask him why. I think it's important to carry diabetes notification on you at all times so in case there is a need for help, it's identifiable. He did get a lot of attention as a child and he hates that aspect because he doesn't like being different.
@autwogussy (23)
• Philippines
30 Jun 07
I admire your openness with your situation Kraus. I am a health consultant that's why I usually hang out with some of my clients who has diabetes. I am not a doctor but I do recommend an alternative solutions like using pure herb supplements. Anyway, its better that way since you need to take medications at a particular hour. What is very important is that you acknowledge the fact that you need to be very careful with yourself so people will also at least be watchful and supportive. I hope you inspire others to be cautious and at the same open minded so you get to take good care of yourself more...You're positive attitude also helps you improve your health..Stay healthy and choose the right healthy foods always. I highly recommend you take supplements on the side to boost you immune system..
1 person likes this
@jenius (131)
• United States
13 Jul 07
I have been a type 1 diabetic for 12 years now and have never felt embarrassed by it. Being insulin dependent I feel it is much safer for me if people are aware of my diabetes. If I look or act like I don't feel well my friends and co-workers automatically check to see if I need some juice or if I need to eat. It's always good to have people watching out for things like that. My employer has been very supportive with my needs. We are not normally allowed to keep food or drinks in our work areas but they have allowed me to keep juice boxes nearby for emergencies. I have heard of some companies discriminating against diabetics which is a shame. I have been very fortunate in that respect. Last I knew there was not a lot that could be done legally in those cases as diabetes is not considered a disability. As for taking insulin injections or doing a blood test I am not embarrassed about that either. I do check with companions if they will be uncomfortable with me doing so in their presence. I have only had one person say he wasn't comfortable and he simply turned away until I was done. I guess he was one of those people who passes out at the sight of blood and needles. Four years ago I got an insulin pump which has eliminated the need for syringes so now it's only the testing I have to worry about in public and that can be done discreetly enough. There certainly is no shame in being diabetic or in doing what you need to do to treat your diabetes. Good luck with your diabetes and treatment plan and hide in the bathroom no more! :)
@sapphirain (27)
• United States
13 Jul 07
If a company discriminates against a diabetic, there IS something you can do. Report it to the ADA (America Diabetic Assoc), THEY will take them to court! Just because we have a problem that requires constant monitoring, does NOT mean we should be "pushed aside"!
Ok, I'm off my soapbox now.
@babeslover1 (2)
•
20 Jul 07
Hi Krause
Just to say i agree with all you say diabetes is not something to hide away. My husband has it and at the moment on tablets. We belong to a local support group where you can chat to people you have had it for 50yrs+ and all types as in type 1 and 2s plus from tablets to needles to pumps. We all get on great and no one feels worried about saying about their dibtetes in or out of our group. It is something people have not always to cause problems with their life. Hope all is well with you
@sapphirain (27)
• United States
6 Jul 07
OMG! Are you sure you didn't read my mind?
I, personally, let it be known. I've had too many low-sugar seizures to be comfortable NOT telling. As for testing in public, I do that. I don't do the shots in public because some people get offended by needles.
I had one temp job years ago where the super there said that I could NOT test or take my shots in the office I was in. Now, this was NOT kosher with me, as I was the only one IN that office most of the time. This supervisor told me I had to go to the bathroom to do this. LOL...my reply, that if she pushed this, I would take it to the ADA and I also told her how dirty bathrooms really were. The next day, HER supervisor said I could do my tests and shots in the office. What I did, is tell my co-workers that if needles bothered them, don't come into the office if the door was shut. This worked while I was there.
I hate people who have NO idea what it means to be a diabetic and think "they know best" just because they are a supervisor.
As for being ashamed...no, not ashamed, mad maybe...lol I've always had the thought that the reason I got diabetes was so that I could broaden the outlook of other people that had no idea what it meant to be a diabetic and/or how to deal with it.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
12 May 08
I am a type two diabetic so no insulin just metformin
and glyburide but Ihad a problem when I was working
doing my blood glucose testing one of my coworkers
'got allover upset at seeing me taking a drop of blood'to
test in my meter. so I would go in the bathroom which is
not the best place in the world. I told all my coworkers when
'I was diagnosed with diabetes as I had a lot of lows at
first as Ihad lost some weight and was in excellent control
so they all knewwhat to do in case of a low. I think I
could finally give myself shots if I had to but I am trying to
avoid that . Iam in good control now.
@taface412 (3175)
• United States
4 May 08
You should not be embarrassed by this disease. My mother has been a brittle diabetic since b/4 I was born. And it was never hidden from us either. In fact, we as children saved her life countless times. Until she had received a glucose monitor about fifteen years ago it was hell knowing whether she was high or low.
It is dangerous to keep this condition a secret. Because it is astounding how common this disease is and how many people are ignorant to how to handle a diabetic. SO inform people and like you my mother is still leary about testing herself and giving her shot in public. I tell her not to be. You are right the bathroom is the last place on Earth you want to inject yourself with a needle.
The only way people become knowledgeable of this disease is if people know about it. Plus, you don't want people to mistake you as a drunk when you go into a reaction-this happened once to my mom at an ER.
