When to disclose?
Hi Everyone,
I'm just wondering when others feel is an appropriate time to tell people about being diabetic?
I often feel awkward just blurting out that I'm diabetic, but it can often be just as uncomfortable if someone sees me testing or injecting and (often) yells "What are you doing?"
I wan tto know when people tell new friends, colleagues, potential partners, and even aquainteces that they might meet briefly.
Also, how do you respond to the multitude of innane questions that people often feel is their right to ask after they see you injecting or testing (i know that these are most often asked with the best intentions, but the sheer multitude can often be frustrating sometimes)?
Thanks in advance :)
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by katliwidia on -
I generally feel that being upfront and honest is the best way to go. The best time I think to tell people is when you are about to eat. You are going to need a few diabetic moments for BS check and taking insulin. I have been on a pump for 12 years and that is always an easy conversation starter. I am not ashamed of being diabetic and find that telling people before they have to ask lets me be in control of the conversation and lets me tell as much or as little as I want to about my personal health.
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Permalink Reply by Heather214 on -
I agree. Be up front about it and tell them what you want them to know. I have found that more often than not this will take away most questions they might have wanted to ask, or at least they will not ask the basic questions.
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Permalink Reply by T1Teen on
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I just test when I need to, don't care if people see me. If they do, they can always ask if they're brave enough. I've had little kids come right up to me and stare at my pump site or ask me why I made myself bleed. People generally don't make a huge deal of it
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Permalink Reply by Jax on -
I've had to think about this a lot since being diagnosed 2 years ago. I am upfront to those closest to me- ie. those I work with the most, friends, family, etc. They need to know where my glucose tabs and glucagon pen is. I ended up having to tell my current bf the night we met because I got hypo and needed to get food ASAP. But since he so far has been the guy for me, it wasn't too soon or too scary for him. I did wait to tell everyone in person though and don't put it on facebook.
I'm concerned being in medical school having to tell my future bosses/superiors because I don't want it to look like it's holding me back from practicing medicine.
You would think that those in medicine wouldn't ask me the questions BUT practicing physicians still ask me questions. I just answer honestly but try to down play it (to everyone). Every once in a while I will answer honestly "it sucks." haha
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