In the beginning I was shy about testing or taking a shot in public, but then realized, hey, I have nothing to be shy about, it is what it is. Not that I get up in anyone’s face, but I try and act nonchalant , test in my lap, and with the pump, just punch in some numbers in a gizmo. Other people are just going to have to realize, these conditions exist, and this is what we have to do to address them.
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Perhaps I’ve gotten older and less concerned about public perception, but I think testing at a baseball game just has to happen in your seat bc where else would you go? Over the past few weeks, I’ve tested on a subway train, corner of a concert venue and at a restaurant (on my lap). As long as you aren’t squeezing your finger trying to spray your blood everywhere (lol, which I’m sure you aren’t) I think it’s OK to test wherever you need to.
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I check in public, but if I’m not comfortable doing it, then I’ll go to the bathroom and do it.
I have never been self conscious about testing or giving my insulin in pubic. 40 years ago I used to give my insulin shots in public. Now, I test anywhere I need to, and monitor my pump whenever it needs me. Do what feels right for you.
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While reading through the responses I came across some horror stories about people dropping their insulin bottles. Thank goodness for pens now for those who don’t use pumps; for those who do carry around a bottle and syringe there are sleeves you can use to protect your liquid gold. When I get a bottle from the pharmacy I slide one over it before I load my pump cartridges. Here’s a link to one from Amazon - I picked one at random but they come in different sizes so make sure you select the one for your insulin type.
Vial Protection By Securitee Blanket - Tall Royal Blue - Fits Lantus, Apidra and Levimer Bottles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000R7Z204/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_gjrSDb84294BB
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I’ve done it just about everywhere and anywhere over the years. I remember my friends freaking out when I pulled out an insulin vial and filled it while sitting next a police car thirty years ago. Unless you have a legitimate fear that an employer might hold this agaisnt you or maybe someone maybe traumatized by watching you should not have to hide. Employers do not have to give cause for anything…
In the beginning I was self-conscious testing before a meal in public, but not for long. If I’m visiting family where I know the bathroom is clean, I’ll use that; otherwise its wherever. One time when I was eating airport food between flights, I had to check before I ate in a food court. I try to sit at a table with a bench or a booth. Another woman who was diabetic came and sat with me. We had a nice conversation about airport food choices and counting carbs to calculate doses. Now, with a Dexcom g6 and an InPen Smart Pen, I don’t have to test as often, but use my phone app to calculate the dose.
You know when I would stick in public i was definitely self-conscious at first at least the first few months especially since i’m a teenager and had to eventually do it in front of my friends. But when i finally did do it they were more interested in how it works and also tended to watch the process. When i have had to do it in public people did not mind or even pay attention to it. So if i ever did get any attention from it a stranger would come up and simply ask a question but they did not make me feel weird or anything. I understand if you feel self conscious but i realized that no one really cares when i do it in public and some even call me brave. Hope this helps!
I was super self-conscious about checking my BG and giving injections at first. I would go to the restroom and try to take care of it there, but even there you encounter people. And the restroom users are the ones who aren’t looking, but are definitely looking in the mirror reflection.
Then it just got to be a hassle. As previous posts have said: public restrooms are disgusting. You shouldn’t have to lay out layers of paper towels to prepare a relatively sanitary spot to work. I started going to the restroom to wash my hands, but returning to my seat at an event or the table in a restaurant to check and inject.
I currently use the Dexcom and Omnipod, so completing these duties is very discrete, but on the rare occasions I resort back to MDI/fingersticks I have no qualms with doing it for all to see! T1D isn’t going away, so be proud to show off your treatment. You never know who it could educate or encourage!
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