Older info but still relevant. Be prepared + know your rights: your guide to protesting with diabetes
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Wow, those were interesting times, eh? A lot going on back then.
Let me add that at that time in Minneapolis, the large protests prompted the police to block cell communications, which could potentially impact your tech. Just something to add to the list.
I see device failure occasionally in situations where there are a lot of police and cell comm and fire fighters and tv cameras and radio broadcast in the same area. One example of that is our state fair. Too much strong radio frequency interference with the weak wireless bluetooth signals used in our medical devices.
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Beyond currently have a page with, apparently, broadly the same information as the Beyond forum post (including the perhaps now invalid Covid reference):
Other readers please note that this is about protesting with diabetes, not about diabetes. If you need to do the latter the ADA has a page:
Mostly the text of the first Beyond page applies to most countries (though there are of course some where protest is inherently unhealthy). The text at the end is US specific but this is a worthy observation:
Consensual seizures are not prohibited by the Fourth Amendment, so you must state that you do not consent for your belongings to be seized.
I know because I was on a Grand Jury that sent a guy to trial who consented, “Just say no.” (In the US; you can’t say “no” in other countries, e.g. the UK.)
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Be forewarned that the chance of being able to adequately treat your diabetes while in jail is close to zero, especially on a weekend. Anybody participating in a protest that might get out of hand (basically any on the west coast) should think twice about how committed they are to the cause of the day.
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Excellent point John.
Jail is where diabetics go to die.
Do not get sent to jail, kids. It’s not for you.
There are some things that diabetics probably don’t have the freedom to do. You prob don’t get to drive a truck for a living. You will never join the army. You probably shouldn’t work in a clean room. You can’t go to jail.
Sorry if I sound like your mom.
If you are hell bent, then consider wearing a tshirt that very clearly reads, “Type 1 diabetic”.
You could also have a friend write that on your forehead with a permanent marker, “T1 diabetic” or “Takes insulin.” That’s how medics mark patients indelibly in a mass casualty event with important information so that anyone who looks at that patient has access to important information.
https://fox2now.com/news/fox-files/video-captures-moments-before-inmate-died-from-untreated-diabetes
I also want you to talk to a defense attorney BEFORE you go and have an agreement with them to drive over and post bail if you go in. You might be able to make a phone call. I want that attorney’s phone number written in permanent marker on your body. Tell the lawyer your location when you call them. Ask for that info from the cops before they haul you away.
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Such good advice, everyone! Thank you. I will spread the word.
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