A colleague at work revealing my diabetes

I had it at work to but it was because I had a dsn appointment and it wasn't in the hospital but in a side ward that they used and he tried it but never got far as I got him back as I did night shift and he thought I was asleep one night wrong I caught him trying to get in where I was and he jumped about 6 ft off the ground as he didn't expect it and I told him I was just as good or even better than he was and not to try again and never to be a smart ass for when I am at the hospital and I have an appointment with the doctor or nurse again or I will berry you in the ground and leave you feeling the prat and that was my manager and I didn't care who it was as no one tells me what to do except for my health

Freema said:

sorry for wondering, but what is bad in other people knowing ?

then they can buy something for you that you can actually eat... in my own case it is no secret to anybody and not something I am ashamed of or feel stigmatising about ...but of cause we are all different ..

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I'm not sure about cz-dave, but as far as I am concerned, the problem would be not being allowed to decide by MYSELF whether to tell about my condition or not. I think people should not take such liberties. It's a patronizing attitude I couldn't stand. But of course, as you said, we are all different, so perhaps other T1s are more relaxed about the whole matter. I am surely not, that's all.

cz_dave said:

When I came to work the other day, some colleagues were having breakfast. One of them asked me if I wanted to join. Before I could answer, he exclaimed: "oh sorry I'm not sure if you can actually eat any of this." Others became curious and asked whether I am on a diet. That colleague swiftly answered: "yes, he has diabetes."

What a nice way of starting my workday!

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It's your condition and your choice about who knows. Your colleague has no business announcing that to your workmates. That said, I would have explained how wrong he was and that if anybody wanted to know any details about it they should ask you directly.

There are always gossips present (or sweetie wife in Scotland). They need to ingratiate themselves by imparting information and I am not clear why they have that need.

First of all, since he/she was in possession of the information you must have told them at some time so it was not a big secret. Secondly, having identified the gossip I suppose you won't be sharing secrets with them any more.

If I want to keep something quiet I don't share it with anyone, just like a PIN number.

cz_dave said:

I think I don't have to stress that I totally understand your feelings.

It just reminds me that we will soon have an all-hands meeting at work. May be I should stand up and say something like: folks, I have something to share: I have diabetes!

I guess not...

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Those who overheard the diabetes remark from the other person - they already know. Don't think about anyone else, but them. It'd be best to catch this group on a break, come up to them and do the boring explanation we already know of.......but I'll give you an example:

Tell them that yes, you do have diabetes, and it takes a lot of effort to keep things under control. You cannot take the food you eat for granted, but that doesn't mean that you can't eat whatever as long as you keep tight control. People have a lot of confusion regarding diabetes, and mix different types up. Mine is the more serious one and let that be enough. I just don't want to be treated differently because of my disease. You know that I have this condition, and that's more than enough. I got used to giving an explanation to people, but it's starting to wear me down, and I don't want my disease to control my life. There is no need to let all the world known.
...
Something along those lines...
My mother language isn't english, but my message should come through without any problem.

That's why I said it's best to have at least one person around who knows about your condition. He or she may come around and display empathy, wanting to learn a bit more about this...you can never know. And in case (praying it won't happen) you become hypoglycemic at one point where you barely have the energy to stand up, then that coworker may come around and "shove a tab" down your throat before your swallowing reflexes get affected, and basically saves the day.................because if not, then the ambulance will come around and you can be sure that EVERYONE will know about your diabetes. That's how I look at it. I could be wrong. It is your own personal choice though. Please take this as a suggestion and not as a definite guideline.

Steve14 said:

That's why I said it's best to have at least one person around who knows about your condition. He or she may come around and display empathy, wanting to learn a bit more about this...you can never know. And in case (praying it won't happen) you become hypoglycemic at one point where you barely have the energy to stand up, then that coworker may come around and "shove a tab" down your throat before your swallowing reflexes get affected, and basically saves the day.................because if not, then the ambulance will come around and you can be sure that EVERYONE will know about your diabetes. That's how I look at it. I could be wrong. It is your own personal choice though. Please take this as a suggestion and not as a definite guideline.

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There is a serious issue here which I think the OP can help with. Lots of films/shows depict diabetics and show friends saving them by injecting them with insulin. If you are hypo it's not helpful.

Maybe the OP could tell his workmates that if he flakes out then to call an ambulance is a good idea or to give him a tab but not the insulin.

cz_dave said:

When I came to work the other day, some colleagues were having breakfast. One of them asked me if I wanted to join. Before I could answer, he exclaimed: "oh sorry I'm not sure if you can actually eat any of this." Others became curious and asked whether I am on a diet. That colleague swiftly answered: "yes, he has diabetes."

What a nice way of starting my workday!

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Tell him you heard that he's gay lol.

cz_dave said:

When I came to work the other day, some colleagues were having breakfast. One of them asked me if I wanted to join. Before I could answer, he exclaimed: "oh sorry I'm not sure if you can actually eat any of this." Others became curious and asked whether I am on a diet. That colleague swiftly answered: "yes, he has diabetes."

What a nice way of starting my workday!

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It doesn't sound to me that it was done maliciously, which I've experienced in the past, but maybe now is the time to let your colleagues know more about your diabetes and educate them.