WHAT!!! If that is disturbing then so is using you F#@$** cell phone at the table or texting or putting on lipstick! That’s ridiculous. Who had the NERVE to say that to you?!
Checking your BG with a glucometer can be done on your lap and they never even have to see anything. If it’s the thought that bothers them, warn them ahead so that THEY can leave the table!
Can you tell this really upset me!? :0
I’ve never excused myself to test OR inject… I test under the table all the time. I’ve injected while on MDI and had no one even notice.
I don’t ask if it bothers people, and I don’t mention I’m doing anything. If someone asks, I’ll tell them, but usually people either don’t notice, or don’t care. The only time I EVER make a production out of testing at the table is if I am given regular soda instead of diet, and most people are more fascinated by the fact that you can test it than bothered by it.
Had a parent say that to me and that I should test in the bathroom and my answer was… Uhm would you want to test in a dirty bathroom. they walked away in a huff… but its food for thought. … My new response to this is No. Its not acceptable to be forced into the closet/restroom where its unhygenic… Your not imposing on others… and you should feel NO SHAME in doing it where you please.
Do what you want when & where you need to. Discretely testing & dosing (or not so discretely) is a health necessity & shouldn’t be a topic for any comments from others. I don’t think this is a social faux pas. What is bad manners is that person saying it disturbed him/her. That’s rude!
We are all ambassadors for other diabetics. What we do in public as diabetics will affect how others see all of us.
Its best to handle this with sensitivity, grace and composure, which I think you’re doing. You might have an opportunity to help educate someone, or at least alleviate their fears.
In a case were someone has asked you to not test at the table, can you ask them privately why it bothers them so much? If its the blood, then I’d refrain from doing it when you’re with them. Perhaps reassure them that you don’t have anything that they need to worry about “catching”, in case that is the true issue. There are many serious diseases that are transmitted by blood and they may be afraid of exposure. They can see that you haven’t washed your hands after testing and this would be a reasonable health concern. They have as much right to feel safe as we do.
If they have a fear of needles, and you’re using one, it really would be more sensitive to inject elsewhere if you can manage it, or at least warn them so they can turn their head the other way.
On the other hand, I don’t know why anyone would have an issue with you using your pump to do your bolus. Its as innocuous as dialing a number on a cell phone. No one should have a problem with it, unless they are afraid of the disease itself. In this case, you might quietly inform them that its not “catching”.
You could simply remind them that you didn’t choose to have diabetes, but you must take care of yourself, and using insulin is a necessary part of eating. You just happen to rely on a pump to get yours. Don’t tell them this in anger, just state it matter of factly and then change the subject.
Maybe you’ll be able to eliminate their concerns, and help them learn to deal with it.
I do test and pump at the table when I dine out. I always have. What really freaks them out is when you… LICK~. Their nose krinkles up. Oh Well this is the life I live. Perhaps when they give me that krinkled nose look, I should wipe the blood on the napkin or pretty tablecloth and leave it on the table.
Soon after I was diagnosised I was eating at a restaurant and I got up to go to the bathroom to give myself an injection and my father said, Sit down. Don’t think you ever have to go to a private place to inject. And I haven’t since. I think that was advice I have taken with me.
If they think it’s gross, ask them to leave. It’s completely insensitive and inappropriate to ask that of you.
Why hide it if someone is uncomfortable they can go hide in the bathroom. Maybe their super high carb chose of food makes you uncomfortable. Would they ask someone on O2 to go someplace else, what about nursing in public. I have had issues with people making a few comments when I shoot up in public but I have also heard parents explain to their children what I was doing. I don’t announce to the world what I am doing but I refuse to hide it.
It sounds to me like you are being very discreet and respectful when you’re testing bolusing in front of others. Seems very unreasonable for someone to ask that you remove yourself to the bathroom (gross) to perform this very necessary and inoffensive procedure. Much more offensive is being forced to sit across from a person who insists on chewing with their mouth open or answering cel phone calls in the middle of a meal. I encourage my 10 year old daughter to test and bolus whenever and wherever she is. This was the case when she injected as well. Restaurants are not private homes, they are public spaces where people should feel free to take care of their fairly benign medical needs without worrying about giving offense. People who complain should go eat in the bathroom if it’s all too much for them!
I personally, bolus where ever I please. You should not have to run to the bathroom and hide away to do it. I pulled out my syringe and insulin bottle where ever I was too when i was taking shots. Your life and my life depends on that insulin that we take every day from pumps and syringes. I, personally refuse to accomadate others feelings when it comes to my diabetes care. I’ll accomadate other people and be “polite” with everything else but NOT my diabetes management.
A young lady said to me once “you’re making me uncomfortable” when I was taking a shot. I turned to her and said “Good thing God gave you eyelids, use them or turn your head around.” yes, it was rude to say that I felt a little bad about it later but it’s a CHOICE for nosey people to look at me and pay attention to what I’m doing. They could easily look away if they think I’m being rude. What happens if you happen to be in an enviroment where there are no bathrooms and you have to bolus? Should you just remain with a high blood sugar until you find one? I think not. So my advice to you is forget about how others feel and what other people think is good or bad manners. They don’t have to live with this awful disease, WE do so it’s none of their buisness what we do to manage it. Good luck!
I use my pancreas in public places all the time, so I don’t see any reason why my son shouldn’t use his alternative pancreas in public too 
Besides, it’s good for people to see it, IMHO. Makes them stop & think.
I test and shoot up in plain view. If they don’t like it I will tell them to take it up with the ‘man upstairs’.
If any restaurant says anything to me (none have as of yet), I will remind them of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Most people either ignore me or give me funny looks. Que Sara, Sara
Why should we hide in the restroom like some backroom junky?
NO RESTROOM!
Let everyone see how bad diabetes is and maybe they will support research into a cure?