I test in public all the time. I do it on the table too. :D All my friends think it's so cool. If this not so close friend is freaking out over it that person must not really be a friend at all. It's okay to let people know you are testing your blood sugar.
Yah two of my friends have actually given me my shot before because they really wanted too! And then they brag about it haha. And my other friends are like aww can I do it sometime? Ha sure if you really want to.
[quote user="Mad Evans"]I can't wait until I make a type 1 diabetic friend because of public testing.[/quote]
I have! It's a great expereince! It totally makes up for any flack over testing in public you get. It's wonderful!
I definitely test in public. I initially was super discreet about testing and giving myself insulin in front of anyone but I soon came to the realization that I have NOTHING to be ashamed of. This is a part of me. Just like someone lighting up a cigarette in front of somebody else, except my "cigarette" is an insulin needle and my "tobacco" is insulin.Oh yea, and I need mine to stay alive :)
In fact, you should see the looks I get in the locker room of my gym. After a strenuous workout, I bolus for about 60 carbs or so (and usually have to consume 90 or more not to hypo) using an insulin needle and apidra and half the guys in there think I'm using steriods. Yea, steriods in my stomach, good idea. When I catch somebody staring, I am more than happy to explain I have Type 1. I've actually made some friends this way!
Sorry to get off the subject about testing, but testing is something we shouldn't compromise b/c of what someone might think. High blood sugar is no joke. But I wish I had a nickel for every time I tested b/c I had to pee and I was @ like 100! So I must be irritable for another reason, I suppose . . .
You should allways test when the times right, regardless fo where you are. If someone is near that you know has toruble with, let them know, or move away, but you should never put your diabetes second to something as trivial as that. If they're freaking out for no just reason, then they should deal with it, not you!
Hey, I test in public as well however when I know that there are people around me that get freaked out when I test around them I often go to the washroom to test just to avoid whatever they may say or think watching me do it. Not a lot of my friends, and none of my family members get freaked out when I do it, they all know its a part of my lifestyle and respect that it has to be done. It's more so when I'm in large groups when I don't know how people will respond that I go to the washroom. But most of the time I'll just test it whether there's people around me or not, it has to be done!
I test in public. It's better to test whenever you need to. What if something happens because you didn't? Anyway, most people just have a question or two if anything.
I test, I 'shoot up'...I do it all in public! If I'm at a restrurant(unless its a fancy one and I'm on a date or something) I'll test, measure my insulin out, and shoot up without leaving the table(I use my stomach so it's easy). I've done this at bus stops, at restrurants, waiting in line at the fair at a food stand, etc.
No reason for shame, no reason to hide it. If people don't like needles or blood..well that's their problem and I'm not forcing them to look!
I used to hide away, but not anymore! It might sound strange, but often, I actually WANT people to ask questions! Most of us (or is it all of us?) agree that people are not educated enough about T1D, but if we don't encourage them to ask questions, then they will always remain in the dark, right? Comments???
[quote user="Nads"]
I used to hide away, but not anymore! It might sound strange, but often, I actually WANT people to ask questions! Most of us (or is it all of us?) agree that people are not educated enough about T1D, but if we don't encourage them to ask questions, then they will always remain in the dark, right? Comments???
[/quote]
I agree! If people don't like it, they don't have to stare!
some time i do some time i dont
at first i was really embarrased about testing in public but its such a neccesity ill let people know before i test or take insulin so that if they dont like it they can look away or i can go to the bathroom to do it but in general testing in public should be considered fine and polite its not something you can control.
well i only do at my mom work i dont like to do it where ever one can see me or if i have to do i go in my car or my mom car & test.
I usually feel weird testing in public for example.. in the middle of forever 21 when i feel low.. i wonder what people think im doing to myself, but too bad i know what im doing :)
-alaina
I have Riley test in public. For her its a daily part of her life as important as breathing. Its like telling a person who using a O2 machine not to go in public or use it in public.
I test in public all the time... But when i first got diabetes i didnt.. i tested in the bathroom. I dont think it is that big of deal to test in public.... If there is someone who doesnt like it then try to cover it up or do it under the table... or just go to the bathroom quickly.... But do not not test...
i used to not test in pubic but I do now...there was one time when I was with my mom at wal-mart and I tested right were in was at cause I was low and was low eairer....When I was younger i did not like to test in pubic it was the one thing I hated about diabetes.....but now i test were ever I am at
I don't go many places in public, but when I do, I either test in the car or there. Whatever is convenient for me, I do.
I have to test/ do insulin. They don't have to be afraid of me trying to survive the only way I can.
So far, nothing went wrong. If something does and someone says something about it, that is what I will say to them.
I test openly anywhere, anytime I need to. It's something I do for me and if others have a problem with it, touch! It's their problem, not mine! I didn't choose this disease and I will not pander it!
I test in public, and I think you should feel OK about it. It sounds like your friend was being a little bit of a spazz, but it's true that some people are bothered by blood and germs. I test in my lap if we're eating, and I always have an alcohol swab or two in my kit. So if someone is bothered, I can keep the blood out of site and/or sanitize with the alcohol swab afterward.
Most people won't mind, and most of the ones who do mind will at least understand that it's necessary. The rest can just DEAL WITH IT, because one little tiny drop of blood won't hurt anything, but not testing certainly CAN hurt you.