I’m a relative newbie compared to some (14 years as a LADAT1) and perhaps because I am seriously pragmatic about life, I would say my bashful stage of dealing with testing/dosing in public last about 6 months. I still am relatively discrete (under the table testing, or in my lap, but I will not go to a restroom for either. I cannot fathom what germs lurk in theme, and if I am going to punch holes in my body, I will take the relative cleanliness of ‘open air’.
I am not in anyone’s face about it. I just quietly go about my business, but if I am sitting at a table with someone I don’t know, I will ask. I have yet to have anyone go squeamish on me.
There are some educational moments to be had when someone asks what the pump is, or what it does, but I catch myself occasionally starting lecture, and that is the last thing to do. Some things you will learn by trial an error, but nutritionists, educators, and a book called Think Like A Pancreas provide a lot of starting points.
A bit of humor to share, my pump came of my waistband one day as I was coming out of the Post Office, and a woman was headed in. I swung the pump back up by the tubing to catch it and clip it back on (smooth move if I say so myself) and the oncoming lady said : Wow, that’s great, put your cell phone on a leash and you won’t drop it or lose it! I had to laugh!
Hi Megan,
Welcome to the community, and I’m sorry you’ve had to go through this transition in such a difficult time. I transitioned from injections to a pump right before the pandemic and have been struggling a lot with the lack of guidance, even with all my years of T1D experience. I can only imagine what it’s been like for you. It seems you’re coping wonderfully, though, and have already gotten a lot of great advice here. I’m not sure how much I can add, but I’ll throw in my two cents just in case.
I was diagnosed when I was 6 and am 33 now. I went through a lot of phases with regards to how I dealt with diabetes in public. When I was a kid I felt like people were always staring at me, like at restaurants, so I always retreated to a bathroom for privacy, but I hated having to balance everything in my lap or on the edge of a sink. And when I first started college I would ask every new person I met if they were ok with me checking my blood sugar and taking my insulin at the table. That got old fast, though. It can be hard to keep track of who you’ve asked. And, while I agree with the point someone above made about educational opportunities, sometimes I just want to eat my lunch, you know? These days I’m unapologetic about having to check my blood sugar or take an injection in public. None of it’s my fault, so why should I feel bad about it? This is something I need to do and if the noise or the needle bothers you, that’s your problem. A couple bosses have been anxious about me checking my blood sugar at the communal lunch table because of blood-borne-pathogen-type reasons, which is understandable. In one case I agreed to go to the locker room and in the other I just kept my hands and glucometer in my lap instead of on the table. With my new pump/CGM combo I have yet to experience an alarm beeping in the middle of a work meeting, but I anticipate it happening eventually. I intend to just say that it’s my insulin pump and that I’ll turn it off in just in a minute. Can’t be helped. Sorry not sorry. (I won’t actually say that last part.)
I’m not sure if anyone’s mentioned it yet, but I recommend getting a medical ID bracelet/necklace/card/tatoo/whatever suits your fancy (although I’ve been told by EMTs that they’re trained to look for bracelets first). Low blood sugars can be mistaken for intoxication. Insulin needles can be mistaken for heroin needles. People jump to conclusions and are often wrong, so having some form of ID might be helpful. I have a Medicalert bracelet linked to a profile that I update regularly with all my doctors’ contact info and all my medications and allergies. And I have several cards in my wallet that state I’m diabetic as well as all my doctors’ business cards. One card specifically says that I’m not drunk, I’m diabetic. Several of the others have spaces for me to write in who to call in case of emergency.
Someone above recommended DiaTribe, right? You should check out BeyondType1.org, too. And MyGlu.org sometimes has interesting articles.
I have been a type 1 for 66 years, and I have found out that most people are understanding when it comes to testing or injections, You can try one of the cgm’s on t he market like the Libra free style, t hat way you won’t have to prick, it’s good for 10 days and relatively reasonable n price… Try not to be embarrased I know it is difficult but you’ll find more people and understanding and willing to help, there are so many of us. There may be a support group on campus, check it out. Things will get better i promise. Bye jan
I use a Dexcom but have used the Freestyle Libre on occasion and really liked it. I keep my TSLIM pump - which acts as my receiver - but I find it quicker and sometimes more convenient to swipe the Freestyle receiver across the sensor to get a reading. It’s actually quite convenient, however the Freestyle Libre does not have BG alerts. I understand the Freestyle Libre2 has them.
If one carries a relatively modern mobile phone, it is not necessary to carry a dedicated “swipe recorder”. Both t-Connect and Clarity provide continuous real-time glucose readings. In addition, for those employing CIQ, the t-Connect clearly shows all automatic bolus infusions, and basal adjustments. Great information to have when deciding if or when a meal correction should be accepted.
Will Clarity running in background, a single tap on the locked phone screen displays current glucose level with 3 hour line graph.
I love my Dexcom, used it for 8 yre, and my Omni Pod for a long time. after taking injections for50+ yrs, these devices make my life easier ,… Have a great day and stay safe.
I also was diagnosed at 22 and that was 48 years ago. To give you hope know I’ve have no complications and at age 70 type 1 turned me into an exercise person. Treadmill after breakfast, teach Yoga, practice very active Yoga all because it keeps my A1c in low 5.1. I don’t suffer because as other person posted I too use GCM Dexcom and can see my blood sugars at a glance but I do prick my finger to keep it really super accurate/ calibrate. I also use Omnipod pump no one can see either device.
I like you started on shots in the old days and would shoot my belly or thigh at a table so no one would see and like the other person prick finger under table. But my friends totally don’t judge me even if I give myself a shot near them or prick finger.
You will adjust in time. It’s made me healthier than all my friends low cholesterol from eating high fiber healthy meals and exercise nothing in my body hurts. You can take a condition and let it immobilize you or you can soar to the clouds healthier than you would have been without Diabetes. It changed my life for the better. My husband never has judged me but tells me how proud he is of me taking care of myself.
I even appear in a Dexcom tv commercial And internet video. Soar fly soar!!!
hello, I am 72 years old and have been type 1 since age 5. In the early days (until 1974, there were no glocometer… (just had to put urine on est strip and it could be off by as much as 4 hours… it could show hi was having an insulin reaction. Life was tough growing up. HOWEVER, When the development of glocometer and, I got A1C down from 13 and 14 to eight and nine. With the new league Libre freestyle, I have it down to a six. The best way to manage public best thing is of course to go to a restaurant and unless you are on a pump or the Omnepod. At 22, U are just starting out independent living in the real world. If you want to make it until you’re 70, 80 or more, you will need to understand everything that affects your blood sugar. This includes frustrations, anger, fear, as well as your food and exercise. Once you accept the freedoms as well as the restrictions you can experience a great sence od accomplishment and control. I know this goes beyond what you ask, but honestly it neeed not be a problem in Public eating more than in private. If you do not make a big deal out of the it no one L’s will either. Taking care of your ceo is a responsibility that everyone regardless of health issues should do. Using common sence, avoiding drugs, alcohol and class sugar foods are of course of utmost importance. A failing hope you learn to enjoy your new body and take good care of it.
my crazy auto correct…duh, restroom not restaurant, est =test, delete the word league, od=of, delete the word eating, the =then, L,s = else ceo=self, class-high, failing = truly. I apologize for all the errors…
Please, no apology necessary! My swype keyboard had developed a mind of its own and I’m discovering I’m not proofing nearly as carefully as I used to. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve typed “Stay healthy” and had it come out as “Stay hairy”!!
Thanks for the info. Stay well😊.