On Facebook, we asked our readers about whether they are comfortable injecting insulin in public, and whether they noticed a generational divide on this subject. We received a lot of great responses on the subject, many in favor of injecting in public. Here are some of the best*:
I’ve never had a problem injecting insulin in public, although I try and be as discreet about it as I can. The thought of being told I must do it in a bathroom disgusts me on a hygiene level, and it borders on discrimination. It’s a basic human right to take medication when required and check your blood glucose levels when you need to.
-Ula K.
Does it make a difference if you’re injecting from a pen or drawing up insulin and injecting from a syringe? I use pens and no one, except for people who know me, notice I’m injecting. I don’t mind bolusing in public, but I am discreet about it.
-Eliza S.
I’ve had Type 1 for 34 years and I’ve always checked blood sugar and injected wherever I had to. I’ve never been one to want to handle my medical care in a nasty bathroom. If I’m at a restaurant sitting down, it’s my business. -Laura S.
My son doesn’t care who knows and will take his insulin anywhere. He’s had Type 1 since he was two years old. My niece, however, doesn’t like people knowing and often waits to take insulin. Everyone is different.
-Niki M.
I’m 38 and have zero issues with injecting in public. It’s actually kind of fun when I’m out with my wife and four kids at a restaurant and I mention I’m “high”. People’s faces are usually priceless 😂😂
-Chris N.
I prefer to take insulin and check my glucose away from people, but then I get accused of hogging the bathroom for something I can take care of at my desk/table/seat. I’m soooo sorry my misfortune is such an inconvenience to you.
-Nikki W.
I and my children have injected in public for a long time. For me, I have been doing it for 30 years. Be discreet and casual, but take care of yourself. Who wants to do it in a public bathroom?
-Joe B.
I’ve been asked to go to the bathroom to do it before. After saying, “Would you want your doctor to give you a shot in that bathroom?”, the request has always been laughed off.
-Kellie K.
I’ve been on a pump for 20 years. While on vacation in Mexico, my pump died and I had to do injections for the week. I was at a resort with people from all over the world, so I tried to be very discreet with the injections, since different cultures may react differently.
-Julie F.
My aunt, who is much older than I am, couldn’t care less. Man, she’ll whip out her kit and go to work anytime, anyplace. I am the same way, so I haven’t noticed any generational difference in approaching this, at least not in my immediate surroundings.
-Tameron C.
We inject in public. We feel we have an obligation to create awareness. People are afraid of what they don’t understand. We welcome questions. We will explain any of it to anyone.
-Valerie M.
At 58, I don’t really give a damn what others think.
-Jim Kepford
Do you want to join the conversation? Like us on Facebook.
*All comments have been edited for length and clarity, not for content.
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