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discrimination and diabetes

B

biscuit81

Newbie
Messages
2
Type of diabetes
Type 1
I am a type 1 insulin dependent diabetic. Recently i have started a job in a coffee shop near home. The shop is new and has no staff room in which i would usually go to test my blood and do my injections. I have therefore been testing in a quiet corner, so as not to draw attention to myself. I use a novopen which i think are very discreet.
My manager approached me yesterday, and asked if i could do my injections in the toilets as customers may think i was doing drugs! I found this really offensive, but have agreed to use the toilets but feel very angry about having to use a dirty area to use my medication.
Does anyone else think this is offensive and discriminatory or am i just over reacting?
 
I don't blame you for feeling angry. He has no right to expect you to inject in a toilet. You are covered under The Equality Act. You can certainly take this matter further. Good luck !


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
i just think the manager feels embarassed by it,, but why should i be shamed into going into a dirty toilet! I'm pretty sure if a customer used insulin, the manager wouldnt tell them rhey have to go and use their meds in a toilet!
 
I would go back to the manager and let them know that a toilet is not a suitable place to be carrying out blood tests or injections. That if they can provide somewhere suitable for you to use, you will be happy to comply, but for now you have no alternative but to take care of your medical needs in a quiet corner. I would also gently mention that chances are some customers are also diabetic and that no one would expect them to shuffle off to the loo to test/inject.
Honestly, it's the same mentality as those who expect breastfeeding women to feed their hungry baby whilst perched on a toilet seat rather than risk someone seeing a bit of boob. :roll:
 
Ask him if he would eat his lunch in the toilets
No prizes for guessing his reaction to this ...

The toilet is the least hygienic environment to inject your insulin needs in .
All toilet bodily fluids become 'airbourne' everytime a toilet is flushed or hands soiled
are washed at the sink .
Bodily fluids are repeatedly thrown up in the air and will cover every surface visible .

You are quite right to question this matter seriously .
You're health comes 'first' and injecting in a toilet isn't right or ideal .

I would explain all facts to him/her politely and say you are asking them politely too .
Is it possible to do it in the quietest and least busiest time as you say quietly at a corner table .

Please do let us all know how you get on .
We do have other threads on this matter - should you need more help/support .

Anna .
 
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