Danny, getting ones HbA1c down is a bit of ****** but in reality it's fairly simple as there is only 3 ways to do it - more insulin, less carbs and exercise in no particular order.
I hate exercise (unless it's raising a beer glass) so I tend to concentrate on the first two (sacrilege). However to make the first two methods work for you, you have to test your blood sugar - the more frequently the better.
I'm not concerned about testing my sugars in public but I understand many people are self concious about it. The partial remedy for this is to use a BG meter that is inconspicuous as possible and for this I would recommend the AccuCheck Mobile. If you have the $$'s then have a look at the FreeStyle Libre which doesn't require finger pricking for routine checks.
I look at blood sugar management as being both proactive by limiting my carb intake and reactive by injecting insulin when I can't resist the donut the street seller dangled in front of my nose or the extra pint someone just bought me (I wish) - just carry some Dextro with you incase you get it wrong