# “People with diabetes shouldn’t inject insulin publicly!” **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 10, 2005, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240 "2005-05-10T16:45:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/201 "2005-05-11T15:24:24Z")
> [@Hentor the Barbarian](#): > > We’ll do our best, but it is relatively low on my priority list. As for this, I completely understand, and I don’t ask for it to be high on your priority list; I just hope it will **be** on the list. I’d rather not have the emergent symptoms at all than have them professionally treated! 😃 Daniel ---
**Author:** ![KellyM](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/57b2e6/32.png) [@KellyM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KellyM)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/202 "2005-05-11T15:38:31Z")
If the individual in question has one of those pen-type injectors you might not realize that they’re doing anything other than getting out a pen to take notes. The needle on those is roughly a half-inch long and really doesn’t look that much different than an ultrafine point pen. I can’t imagine why anyone would think that someone should go into a germ-filled bathroom to inject medication. That is like so totally asking for an infection. The door handles on most bathrooms are just teeming with germs, and while the alcohol swabs help they aren’t guaranteed to kill everything. The only thing I ask of people who inject in public is that they dispose of their sharps responsibly. Back when I worked for Pizza Hut I had the misfortune of finding a spent insulin syringe in the bathroom trash can. We had to specially bag the contents of that trash can and call the hospital to arrange for a biohazard pickup. Please be nice to the restaurant staff and avoid creating this hassle for them by taking your used sharps with you and disposing of them responsibly. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/203 "2005-05-11T15:38:47Z")
> [@milroyj](#): > > Says Guin, who couldn’t hold down a job, to save her life. :rolleyes: Says **milroyj** , when he can’t come up with a response appropos to the topic at hand, so he insults my personal life. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![GaWd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f08c70/32.png) [@GaWd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaWd)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/204 "2005-05-11T15:52:01Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Says **milroyj** , when he can’t come up with a response appropos to the topic at hand, so he insults my personal life. > > :dubious: Please, tell me you’re not shocked by this. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/205 "2005-05-11T15:52:36Z")
> [@](#): > > The damage has been done. For those who are sensitive to that sort of thing, their dining experience is ruined. What damage? My eyes! My eyes! Oh the pain! The pain! If they are so sensitive, then maybe they should stay at home instead. Are some people such big damn drama queens as this? Get over it all you selfish, self absorbed, overprotected assholes. > [@](#): > > Just don’t tell anyone they can’t make the choice to dine out. That’s all. Maybe some people think all “less than perfect” people should be shut away, so as to not disgust those who are perfect? I have no health problems so far. I’ve been very very lucky. But some of you make me sick. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/206 "2005-05-11T15:52:53Z")
> [@elfbabe](#): > > Oh wow. I think just this on its own constitutes admitting that you’ve lost the argument. It’s only slightly better than calling your debate opponent “Fatty fatty fat fat”. I know you are, but what am i? ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/207 "2005-05-11T16:03:23Z")
> [@Kalhoun](#): > > Hey…cite THIS. How many people have you seen do their injection at the fucking dinner table? Take a poll. Ask everyone you know how many people they’ve seen injecting themselves with insulin at the table. Use your head for something besides a hat rack. I’ve never seen anyone inject insulin at a restaurant table. I’ve also never seen anyone inject insulin in a public bathroom. What conclusions can we draw from this data? 1. There are no diabetics in Northern California 2. Diabetics are so discreet when checking their blood sugar and injecting insulin that I’ve never seen it. 3. I’m able to mind my own fucking business, and don’t go around staring at other patrons while they eat. Based on the post by **Hentor** and other people dealing with diabetes, I’m guessing number two. Based on your own lying, hypocritical, slandering, and just plain fucking stupid post, I betting number three plays a pretty big factor in your own vacuous, fact-free bleatings. Now kindly go pound a handful of insulin syringes up your ass, you dull, dishonest dumbfuck. ---
**Author:** ![elfbabe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b782af/32.png) [@elfbabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfbabe)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/208 "2005-05-11T16:19:47Z")
> [@beckwall](#): > > **Sauron** , pay attention now. > [chewing out follows] C’mon, man! Catch up! **Sauron** [recanted and apologized](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=6144315&postcount=84) back on Page Two. The remaining holdouts are **milroyj** , currently defending his position with the argument that **Guinistasia** does not have a job, and **Kalhoun** , who apparently has access to a major survey of diabetics that he is cruelly declining to share with us. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/209 "2005-05-11T16:25:29Z")
Let’s fight some ignorance. > [@](#): > > Restaurant meal blood sugar monitoring: Check your blood sugar before you eat and follow your usual routine for after-meal checking. For those taking fast-acting insulin: If you are taking fast-acting insulin such as Humalog® or Novolog®, your doctor may advise you to wait until your meal is served before taking your insulin dose. [Dining out guide](http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:2RrukcfcrhAJ:www.bddiabetes.com/us/download/Dining_Out_Guide_english.pdf+%22dining+out%22+insulin&hl=en&client=firefox-a) > [@](#): > > In a recent column, Ann Landers said: “A person who would inject himself or herself at the dinner table in the presence of others exhibits gross insensitivity and very poor manners.” What do you think? > Poll dates: November 29 - December 6, 1998 > Total Votes: 507 > > People with diabetes face many challenges each day. If you inject insulin, one challenge you may face is the need to inject insulin while you are at a restaurant or other public place. While Ann Landers feels that injecting insulin in public is unacceptable, our readers overwhelmingly disagree. 82% of respondents feel injecting insulin in public is acceptable and do it themselves. Only 4% agree with Ann Landers. [Poll on injection at restaurants](http://www.diabetes123.com/poll/poll19981129.htm). Note that 82% say they inject in public. > [@](#): > > How do people inject insulin when dining out? > When dining out or traveling away from home, you may sometimes need to inject insulin in a public place. If your companions know about your diabetes, you may feel comfortable giving yourself an injection in the abdomen or thigh at a restaurant table. To do so, lift up the bottom of your shirt or sweater or raise the hem of your shorts or dress to expose your injection site. Some people inject through a single, thin layer of clothing, and studies have found that this practice does not increase the risk of infection. If you inject quickly, the people around you will most likely be too busy to notice what you’re doing. [From a guide to self-injection](http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/article.cfm?AID=327&SID=2&SK=5WZ4&SSL=n&TID=42&page=11) > [@](#): > > The following are just a few examples of diabetics taking their shots, and the impression someone from the public had. First, I have made injections countless times while out in public, and have never experienced any problems. Although I try to be discreet, I haven’t, for a long time, resorted to a public restroom to take my shot. I usually just inject through my clothing, and it is over with in the blink of an eye. By being courteous, and perhaps telling onlookers what you are doing, you may ward off problems. Recently, while seated at a restaurant, I was about to take my shot, when the waitress showed up. I told her I was a diabetic; that I was about to give myself a shot of insulin. > > She said: “Oh, that’s fine. I see that quite a bit…” [From Voice of the Diabetic](http://www.nfb.org/vod/vodspr0405.htm). ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/210 "2005-05-11T16:31:42Z")
> [@eleanorigby](#): > > Rereading your post, **Kalhoun** , I find myself indignant on behalf of **Hentor** and his son. How dare you judge someone like this? Do you know anything about juvenile diabetes and the potential hazards of poorly controlled blood sugar on a growing body? Well, your indignation is misplaced. I know enough about juvenile diabetes, on my own and from what the OP eventually said, to know that it is not necessary to do it at the dining room table. > [@](#): > > But what disturbs me most is the swipe, “Johnny the diabetic”. In no way are \*\*Hentor[/B} or his family using their child in this way. I know of no family that does so. The ones I know(they have a son named Alex) check the sugar on the sidelines of the soccer game and noone thinks a thing about it. Someone may ask about it, and they are gracious enough to educate the askers. I don’t think of Alex as a kid with diabetes-I think of him as a demon soccer player. I have heard no outcry of “disease risk! Take them away!”. I hope you aren’t saying I accused them of using their boy. In case I wasn’t clear, I said that the end result is that they are drawing more attention to him than most kids his age care to deal with. They don’t like to feel different from the gang. Testing on the sidelines of a soccer game is not the same thing as doing it in a dining room amongst strangers who are eating. I never said he was a disease risk. If you were attempting to attribute that to me, you might want to re-read my posts. > [@](#): > > Newsflash: if you have Type I (juvenile) diabetes–you BETTER live that disease-or it will kill you slowly and with much pain. You fear an “Ewww” factor in a restaurant? Come to work and I’ll show you foot wounds, gangrene, dialysis machines. There may no longer be gangrene on the battlefield, but there is in every hospital-the sweet stench of death by inches. These are the folks who don’t practice tight control(or any control), who are non-compliant with their regimes–don’t worry, it’s good for you diners! They aren’t checking blood sugars in any restaurant they go to. Stop with the drama queen routine already. I’m quite aware of the secondary health issues associated with diabetes. Since you’re the expert, you tell me (particularly when our OP already clarified that he exaggerated the time element portion of his post) where there is any impact whatsoever to this kid’s health by excusing himself from the table to administer his meds. > [@](#): > > Nope, but they are quietly going blind and losing all kidney function–and probably at least a toe or two, if not a limb. But they won’t cause you a moment’s distress while you enjoy your dessert. Yeah…that 15 second walk will certainly be the deciding factor. Christ…get a grip already. > [@](#): > > Diabetes impacts on every organ, every body system–every cell in the body. Maintaining and ensuring tight blood sugar controls is KEY to maintaining health for these folks. Do you ask the emphysemic to do without his oxygen tank at the movies? This kid needs that test and injection as much as an asthmatic needs his inhaler. Simple humanity would dictate that the need outweighs the conventions. And simple manners would tell you that an unnecessary medical procedure at the dinner table is rude. > [@](#): > > Kids like **Hentor Junior** used to just up and die, after wasting away. We are fortunate that that is no longer the case–but the disease is very demanding of it’s sufferers. It is a daily challenge, not made easier by morons who insist on a Hollywood set for their dining ambience. What is next? Asking all the ugly, deformed people to leave so that your eyes are not offended by the lack of aesthetics? And a hearty “DUH!” to you. Thanks for the brilliant documentary that shall heretofore be referred to as “Stuff we already know.” An academy award quality performance! ---
**Author:** ![Sauron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@Sauron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sauron)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/211 "2005-05-11T16:44:04Z")
> [@beckwall](#): > > The only problem I have with your statements, which have shown a level of ignorance rarely seen before … Oh, I disagree with that. You continue to claim I’m saying something I’m not, even after it’s been explained multiple times. I think you’ve got me beat. > [@](#): > > … is the one statement you made about a person not going out to eat if their diabetes is so serious that they have to test at the table. For example, I never said this. > [@](#): > > I realize that some people cannot be educated about things that don’t affect them … Between the two of us, based on this thread, I think you’re the person who has demonstrated a lack of willingness to change their attitude. > [@](#): > > Just don’t tell anyone they can’t make the choice to dine out. That’s all. Once again, I didn’t say that. I said dining out may not be the best OPTION. That was based upon a misunderstanding of how imperative it is for **Hentor the Barbarian** ’s son to receive insulin after eating. The impression I got initially was that his/her son would be in severe medical distress if the injection didn’t happen right away. From that impression, I inferred that eating out might not be the best option, because it would create additional variables that couldn’t always be controlled. YOU are the one who then took that and ran with it, insinuating I was somehow prejudiced against those with diabetes. I can certainly understand how my first post could be misconstrued, and frankly, I did not respond well to the flaming I got based on that. Time has lent its perspective, though, and I’ve clarified my remarks more than once. Why you refuse to acknowledge that clarification is beyond me. However, once more: I have no problem with people who need to test and/or inject at a table. I, myself, am a very private person, and I would not want to do this in front of people if I could avoid it in any way. However, different strokes for different folks, and all that. ---
**Author:** ![GaWd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f08c70/32.png) [@GaWd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaWd)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/212 "2005-05-11T16:48:48Z")
You sure are thick. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Mad\_Hermit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b5ac83/32.png) [@The\_Mad\_Hermit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Mad_Hermit)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/213 "2005-05-11T16:49:34Z")
It seems that a public demonstration is in order. Please come to Gettysdope in July and I’ll show you everything. ---
**Author:** ![GaWd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f08c70/32.png) [@GaWd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaWd)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/214 "2005-05-11T16:50:36Z")
P.S.- not you, **Sauron**. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/215 "2005-05-11T16:55:36Z")
> [@Hentor the Barbarian](#): > > Perhaps your tremendous confusion on this issue arises from a failure to appreciate that I have said that in real life, we never get these types of negative responses from others. Perhaps you failed to read the OP, in which I pitted the opinions expressed by others about other people in another thread, and now by you here in this one. > > And please stop making claims about what most people with diabetes do or do not do. You are simply wrong, and talking out of your ass. Most people with diabetes here have said that they do check and inject at the table, generally after letting anyone sitting with them know what they are doing. We almost never dine with people who wouldn’t already expect this, so that element is moot. > > I did not overstate the time element. There are several reasons why it is necessary for us to administer the insulin very shortly after my son finishes eating. To reduce negative indicators of hyperglycemia (A1c) we have found that we need to administer the insulin within about 10 minutes. To help make sure that we make the calculations based on how much food of which types he actually ate, we find it necessary to mentally review the meal, look at the amounts left on his plate, and make the calculation then. > > If you are arguing that we not do this at the table, aren’t you in fact arguing that we hide? “Hiding” implies shame, which I am not a proponent of. And I make my statements about what most diabetics because I’ve never seen anyone do it. If you make it so no one can see it, then it isn’t an issue. However, that is not what your earlier posts are reflecting. Three pages into this thread you attempted to describe the process, but it doesn’t match up with your earlier description of the whole layout. By using the word “moments”, you indeed did overstate the time element. Moments are measured in seconds; not minutes. You implied that your son would experience a serious reaction if it wasn’t done right then and there! That is clearly not the case. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/216 "2005-05-11T17:02:02Z")
> [@Dangerosa](#): > > He isn’t pitting other restaurant patrons. He’s pitting the responses of people in another thread to someone saying they saw someone giving themselves an injection who are then coming in and saying that is rude. Some of whom may have never seen Hentor give his kid an injection. I stand corrected on that. Though my opinion that injections are usually not _necessary_ during dinner still stands. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/217 "2005-05-11T17:02:20Z")
I am not bothering to quote your “reply” to me. Drama queen? As if. I have had diabetic gangrenous toes fall off when I pull back bedcovers to check their (nonexistent) pulses to their feet. What drama? It happens–and it happens to noncompliant diabetics sooner rather than later. You keep coming back to this 15 seconds. **Hentor** has stated elsewhere that he needs to administer the injection within 10 minutes of eating. Sounds like mid-meal to me. The lack of sanitation in public restrooms has been covered ad nauseam. The restroom is not an option for hygienic reasons as well as emotional reasons. This disease is a part of **Hentor Jr.** --it has a massive impact on his life and choices. There is no way to marginalize this disease in public. Would you deny an epileptic the opportunity of dining out because he may seize and provoke anxiety in the other diners? Just what is your issue with this? Bad manners? huh? I don’t accept that argument. As said repeatedly, testing etc is done discretely. There is no disease transmission risk, if the sharps are handled and disposed of safely. Why would you or anyone else deny this kid a normal childhood (which I presume includes eating out upon occasion here in America)? Why the need to hide? I am truly puzzled by this stance. final note: Miss Manners (bless her) has made a career of gently guiding the ill mannered towards civilty. One of her creeds is that you do not match bad manners with bad manners. Therefore, if you feel that **Hentor and Co** has committed a gross breach of etiquette, the standard is that you do not stoop to that level. In other words, just so I am clear, you keep your criticisms to yourself and take the high road by not making a scene in said restaurant, or by publicly decrying the offenders. Think what you like of folks like **Hentor** -but your bad manners are displayed for all to see here. 'Nuff said. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/218 "2005-05-11T17:08:14Z")
> [@GaWd](#): > > Dude…most people don’t climb into dirty, nasty, filthy bathroom stalls to inject at restaurants, either. However much you may want the statistic to fall on your side of the fence, it ain’t happening. It is disingenuous for you to continually argue that to the contrary as well, especially speaking from your lauded position of obvious ignorance. > > I have a hunch that more people than you can fathom have injected in close proximity to you than you will ever know. You nosy fuck. > > Sam You’re wrong, asshole. And just so’s you get your misplaced rant aligned, I already made it clear that it’s not a matter of being nosy. If you’re discreet, it’s not an issue. If you’re not, you’re unnecessarily making people uncomfortable. I’m absolutely sure lots of people have injected in close proximity to me, and without my knowing it. That’s the idea, pinhead. ---
**Author:** ![Sauron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@Sauron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sauron)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/219 "2005-05-11T17:10:31Z")
> [@GaWd](#): > > P.S.- not you, **Sauron**. Nah, I’m thick, too … but I promise I’m not as thick as a few folks apparently want me to be. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240/220 "2005-05-11T17:13:57Z")
> [@GaWd](#): > > Please, tell me you’re not shocked by this. Hardly. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-with-diabetes-shouldn-t-inject-insulin-publicly/303240.md?page=12)