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Do you approach strangers in public who have visible diabetes devices?
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Yes… Because I hope by telling them that I have T1D from age 20 to 90 without any major problems, will help them on their outlook..
I answered “other” because so have never seen a stranger in public using diabetes devices. Perhaps some people around me have had devices and I just haven’t noticed.
Yes, whenever possible. It’s rare to see someone’s diabetes devices because they are hidden in pockets and beneath their clothing. But, I am always eager to speak with other diabetics. I always tell them about the T1D Exchange website.
I think I would if I ever saw someone with a device. But I never have!
I answered no, but if I was having a low emergency, I might.
I don’t usually approach people but I might point out my devices. People tend to approach me more
I said depends. Traveling, we approached an adult once who had the telltale plastic tubing from her pump sticking out of her pants pocket. She was very receptive. But we’ve seen kids with CGMs on the backs of their arms and we don’t say anything to kids.
I often approach strangers with or without diabetes devices especially at the YMCA.
I often do. Always nice to meet someone else with T1D. This past year I met a fellow Dexcom user while hiking in Zion, the Dad of a newly diagnosed boy at a kiddie birthday party, a man with an alarming Tandem on a garden walk who jokingly told me “is not you, it’s me” when I checked my own pump in response. Sometimes just a flash of the a nod or smile of recognition.
#DiabetesInTheWild
I would but I have not had the opportunity. I live in a small town and there are not that many type 1’s
Like sweet charlie above, I figure my almost 68 years of diabetes is sometimes encouraging to people with newer diagnoses, and I’ve also become friends with people I’ve met.
But several times people have approached me and I am happy to answer questions when the situation allows.
No, I haven’t seen any strangers with visible diabetes devices.
My answer was “always.” However, I approach differently, depending onn the circumstances. Many times I simply point to my libre and nod.
I keep my Pump in a shirt Pocket and take it out to show with a Big Thumbs Up!
I don’t. If someone approaches me, I try to be polite, but really it’s none of their business. I talk to strangers about other, less personal things: the weather, groceries (have you ever tried this and does it taste good, do you know where they keep…). Probably why so many keep their devices hidden.
When I was 14,I wore a Milwaukee Brace. Strangers would come up to me wanting to know the details of the car accident and I just wanted to be as invisible as any adolescent, but my mother would walk away, leaving me to politely explain scoliosis. Yes, I’m deformed. We hide to avoid rude, ignorant, opinionated people.
Definitely depends on the circumstance. If I notice a pump or CGM on someone in a grocery,
farmers market or park I’ve approached and simply gestured to my pump and CGM, saying “me, too”. Sometimes there’s a positive response.
If I see a stranger with something on their hip or wearing any device, I cannot assume it’s diabetes related. It might be a pacemaker, it might be a device using small electric shocks for pain, it could be a cellphone. Like Ernie I have no qualms talking to strangers.
BTW I noticed a CGM on the arm of S. Epatha Merkerson on NBC TV’s Chicago Med where she plays chief administrator. In real life she was diagnosed as T2D in 2002. (Looper.com)
I should of put sometimes, but most of the time it’s them approaching me.
I never notice anyone wearing a pump or cgm. I have met other type 1’s because they have mentioned it during a conversation. Then I share my experience if appropriate.
Yes! Last year, I was in the zig-zag line at the airport, awaiting security check-in, and I spoke with a man in the next lane over, who had an Omnipod on his arm. Agree with others, that devices are often hidden, and we don’t even realize a fellow T1D is right beside us.
Not if I don’t know them.
Always good to understand how someone else thinks about and handles situation’s and always a moment to learn from another pumper. I am a lifelong learner and always willing to make a new friend.
I have never noticed a device on anyone in public but if I did I might say something, depending on the situation.
I don’t because I’m an introvert, but I’m happy to talk with t1d strangers if they initiate it.
Only if device is really noticeable!! Have had some great chats. And people have all different ways to achieve their goals!! Lots of questions. back and forth. I’m semi-private, but have had only good experiences.
Is this annoying or not?