So glad to hear that you experience no issues.I think you are perhaps right in suggesting that your experience is a combined generational/technological effect in the switch from syringes to pens. A syringe, even by today's standards, seems so... medieval. I think many children and young teens, however, still experience public diabetes management as a social issue
Hi all,
A doctor once told me that injecting would gradually become "like shaving", somehow normalised by routine. While I can decide whether to let loose and grow a wild beard—the same cannot be said for diabetes. And also, who shaves in public?
I've never had anyone stare, yet I find the act of injecting in public alienating, sometimes anxiety-inducing, and often impractical, regardless of the 10 seconds the act requires. Injecting doesn't stop me from living life, but I have noticed this recurrent trend.
As I feel alone in this act that others (non-diabetics) do not have to perform, and as such have not been able to speak openly and discuss this issue, I am now doing a small behavioural study linked to my postgraduate research at university. I am extremely interested in how people who require insulin injections feel about doing so in public. I'd like to get something concrete on this matter.
I have put together a small survey that really only takes two mins to complete. There are two versions of the survey. You can complete both if they apply.
The first is for people with diabetes: https://goo.gl/forms/qgyDLjl2BzjXeYyV2
The second is for a parent/guardian or partner of a person with diabetes: https://goo.gl/forms/32IKoZ9Pmo027tz32
I would be eternally grateful to you if you help me out! Let me know if you'd be interested in seeing the results too. But also, feel free to share your thoughts in the thread!
You make a good point there @doyoutakesugar. I suppose age is on my side a bit too in that it's been nearly 40 years that I've been doing this so I've got used to the idea. I do remember though that I was lucky in that I had very supportive friends who just treated me like everyone else. If that is something your research can help teens to understand the power of their true friends you will help them enormously. BTW I've completed the survey too
I've done your questionnaire - good luck!!
I used to hide away in the toilet to inject, partly feeling self-conscious. But now I do it as a matter of course. Yes it still bothers me having to inject but I've got no option. I've never had any comments. I think it is something which grows with time and confidence.
Hi, I've completed your questionnaire and would be interested in seeing the results. I became diabetic back in the 1970s, when syringes were glass and metal, stored in surgical spirit between uses. Nowadays, the ease of carrying a pen around and lifting a skirt when necessary makes everything so much easier! I am conscious that people around me might not be comfortable with me "taking a shot" so do aim for some sort of discretion eg below the table into my leg or similar. Good luck!
The Clinitest Kit was still around in the early 80's, I used one before getting my first bg meter around 85:
View attachment 22772
Filled it in for you!
I would definitely be interested in seeing the results.
@sweettiger_ When I was first diagnosed at 16, 5 years ago, I hated injecting at public - I would hide in toilets or not inject at all rather than do it. I feel now I am more resigned to it - if other people don't like it, then maybe they should try walking a day in our shoes, it isn't as if we are doing it for fun!
I feel the longer you have it, the more natural injecting becomes to you, and the less you think about it. Then suddenly you realise that most people are too busy with whatever else they are doing to actually notice you injecting, particularly if you are say sat a table and you use your legs or stomach.
I'd be most worried about splash back! Thankful that I don't have to use this kit.
The Clinitest Kit was still around in the early 80's, I used one before getting my first bg meter around 85:
View attachment 22772
They were. I carried on with Clinistix until 1976 and switched to the awful BM strips which had that dreadful finger pricker.
I think Louis XVI met his end with one of these...
Looks like you could sell 'em by the boatload at your friendly local S&M dungeon! (Err. ..can you still buy them, then ?
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