23 Comments
When you see a stranger in public wearing a CGM or insulin pump, do you approach them?
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I try to High Five and Flash my Pump or CGM
Whenever I see anyone with a Dexcom or pump I comment, usually. The best time was a new neighbor out walking her dog. We have been good friends ever since!
I would probably have answered, “yes, if at all possible.” However, I think I’ve seen another person wearing an insulin pump about 2 times.
I say hi and flash my pump or Dex if the opportunity presents. Lately people have spotted me before I have spotted them. Or, they want to start using Dexcom but want to ask me questions about it. I’ve been spotted in the wild 3x in last 2 weeks and I think that’s a new record.
I would approach them if I ever saw anyone with a pump.
I haven’t noticed anyone yet. A mom came up to me once with her little T1D son. He was maybe around 3 or 4. She asked if I would talk to him and I was happy to.
I have stopped one person I believe. She was my waitress. I saw a woman riding her bike on a walking/biking path but she was going quickly past me so I didn’t talk to her. I really didn’t have a reason to stop her just because I saw her CGM.
I would love to share charts with fellow sufferers. Stopping ways to learn when to cheat or anticipate lows would be great
I’ve o ly seen one person wearing a pump, and it was at a wedding. And yes, I did. It was fun to compare notes. I’ve never met anyone who’s had diabetes as long as I have. I’d like to someday.
People have sure stopped to ask me! And I am happy to talk with them.
Some of the best convestations occur when I spot diabetes in the wild.
I wouldn’t think to intrude on their privacy. However, a funny thing happened when going through security at an airport in Ireland a few years ago. I was being asked what the white knob on my arm was, and before I could answer, someone in line further behind me shouted out; “It’s a CGM – to monitor blood sugar levels!” Found it very amusing!
I had a great conversation with my waitress about our Dexcoms. I did see a lady at the beach with hers but she was walking by too fast to start up a conversation. I have had people come up to me and ask about it because they are interested in getting one or know someone who has T1D. I was approached at a county fair about my pump, the young man was thinking of switching from mini med to tandem!! I seriously don’t mind talking with people who can relate to our situations. Its fun meeting new people. Oh yeah one last thing, an elderly gent actually touched my dex while we were standing in an elevator. That I did not appreciate!
If it is casually possible. Usually have positive response.
About 4 times: once a young man came running up to me when he saw me use it saying he had just gotten his. He was so excited. I loved it. Once at a conference, I sat down next to a man. We both heard an alarm and reached for our pumps at the same time. It was his. We had a laugh. Once at a gelato store, a young child. I bumped elbows with her after showing her my pump. And once at a bar but it wasn’t a good time to talk. But I love meeting others.
If at all possible I’ll attempt to introduce myself and have a conversation.
I have never seen anyone wearing a pump or CGM in the wild. 5-6 years ago at work there was a new person who used a Dexcom. The only reason I knew was because his brother also worked there and he told me. I asked my co-worker if he also used a pump but he said he didn’t like having two things attached to his body so he gave up the pump when he started using the Dexcom.
I was recently at our local recreation center and my Dexcom G6 alarm sounded. I was immediately surrounded by 3 women, of various ages, asking if I needed help. They were all Dexcom users and one woman had the same pump as I do. I didn’t need help but I was very appreciative of their caring response to my alarm going off and I meet 3 new individuals in the process.
Sometimes – depends on the situation. I have actually made some good heart to heart connections with people wearing a pump and CGM – in airports, on planes, in restaurants, standing in a check-out line, or at the post office. It feels like we are from the same tribe and even though we are meeting for the first time, we feel a camaraderie and totally get each other.
met a young man at my health club pool where we were both swiming laps. He wore his Dexcom on the back of his arm where I have never tried. Interesting chat!
it’s been rare, but I’m always super excited and happy to connect with someone with a pump! just happened on a flight, sitting next to another type one – was fun getting to chat for a bit about it, and she was younger and pregnant, and was happy to hear how long I’ve lived with it, had healthy pregnancies, etc.
No. But if they look like they are in trouble with low or high blood sugar, I would approach them to help them.
In my five years as a Docent at the American Airpower Museum, Farmingdale, LI, NY, I have only met two persons waring a pump. We had a very interesting conversation when I told them I have been using a Pump for over 39 years (T1D for over 55 years) and on a CGM for over nine years. What startles them is when asked is telling them my age (77), along with all the traveling I did when I worked all over the Country/World. (FAA). I just changed my Pump time on my very long trips as I passed thru the time zones. This lessens a big insulin infusion/too small insulin infusion.