2006-10-01 15:56:34 · 37 answers · asked by world traveler 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
A church is a holy community -- a place where we gather to support each other like a family. Type 1 diabetics (the ones who need insulin shots), have a very small window of time when they need to attend to their needs. I think it's great that this woman felt that she could do this in church, that her church family is accepting of her and her needs. Having this kind of support is exactly what the Church is all about. Hopefully you will come to feel the same one some day.
2006-10-01 16:04:09 · answer #1 · answered by Lisa G 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Speaking as a diabetic, I often test my blood sugar in public, or fill my pump in semi-public (in my office, or in the car, etc.)
I feel uncomfortable going to restrooms to do these things, because restrooms are often filthy. I am, after all, using needles to make small openings in my skin. Public restrooms (and yes, even those at churches, in my experience) are often a less-than-desirable place to do this.
Blood sugar testing in particular is quite non-obtrusive action. I have never, in nearly 20 years of testing, had even a nasty glance during a test because I simply don't make a big deal out of it. It's a minimal amount of blood that's easily wiped away, and it's much more sanitary to do a check where you're comfortable than, again, at a questionably clean sink, or -- even worse -- in a restroom stall. yuk.
Insulin shots can also be quite unobtrusive. I've changed pump sites (a lengthier process than a shot) at my desk at work with noone noticing before, and another type I diabetic co-worker also takes shots at her desk with noone noticing. It is possible to pull up a small amount of insulin in a pen and take a shot without ever exposing skin to anyone, actually.
Honestly, I feel that -- unless you have a major phobia about blood and/or needles, one that causes extreme discomfort or fear -- there should be no difference between a diabetic attending to their medical needs and someone taking Tylenol for headache pain.
And, like others have mentioned, if someone tested their blood and immediately took a shot, it's likely that it was medically necessary for her to do so at that moment, to counteract high blood sugar.
It may seem idealistic to say so, but perhaps -- being as you were in church -- instead of judging your sister, you could have said a silent prayer for her that God will watch over her health, and a prayer of Thanksgiving for yourself, that you do not have to deal -- day by day and sometimes hour by hour -- with a disease that can cause incredible damage to your body and rob you of some of the simple pleasures that life offers.
2006-10-01 16:59:49 · answer #2 · answered by ReniHana 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
This indicates that her sugar/insulin balance is out.
It is not tacky to immediately check if a person feels out of control. It would be more worrying if she had to take a large amount of sugar because of low blood glucose. Left too long this could cause a person to pass out. I hope that church officials are aware of her problem. Perhaps you could tactfully suggest that she may need to have her blood glucose monitored. Some people are unaware of changes that occur over time.
This is a good question and more people should be aware of Diabetes. Lord and so many other complaints.
Best wishes, Rose P.
2006-10-01 16:28:22 · answer #3 · answered by rose p 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a cousin who is diabetic. Sometimes your sugar levels can drop or spike and there isn't a choice of finding a better location. Delaying needed insulin can cause some to pass out or become very weak. Maybe I'm just accustomed to seeing her do her test and shots, but I don't find that it's really a tacky thing...not much different for them than it is for you taking an aspirin when you feel a headache coming on.
2006-10-01 16:07:20 · answer #4 · answered by blue guru 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would not use the word tacky for it. If it were me I would have excused myself to the bathroom; however she may have felt that she would not be able to make it to the bathroom without passing out and just needed to inject herself immediately. With diabetes often people who have dealt with the illness can tell when they are about to have an episode and take steps to prevent or lessen it.
Again, I would not have pulled out needles and lancets with other people around. Some people have issues with needles, some people have issues with blood, and it's just not a safe environment to be treating yourself. While I don't find it necessarily OK; I would call it ill advised. When I think tacky at church, I think of people on cell phones.
2006-10-01 16:03:42 · answer #5 · answered by zaffaris 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, it wasn't tacky. Diabetes is a serious problem. My cousin died at 29 from it. The woman you were next to may be having problems keeping her insulin regulated. She must have felt funny and tested herself. She probably didn't feel able to walk out of the sanctuary and test herself. She obviously needed to stay put especially if she had to give herself a shot. I'm sure she would rather not tested it there, but an emergency is an emergency.
2006-10-01 16:01:53 · answer #6 · answered by Purdey EP 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
When I was a kid, we went to church with a guy who would dig in his ears with his car keys during the service. That was tacky, and I'd say that this is, too.
2006-10-01 16:19:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If she was feeling ill, I don't think this is tacky. If she just forgot to do it earlier then yeah it might be tacky. I think it could have waited till after church was over.
2006-10-01 15:59:38 · answer #8 · answered by Matthew's Mom 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Where at church? If you were in the restroom, I understand how you may have felt squeamish, but it sounds like the lady was trying to be somewhat discreet. In the sanctuary, probably not the best place to attend to one's regular medical regimen.
2006-10-02 01:36:49 · answer #9 · answered by Angela B 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would say that this is perfectly ok.
Sometimes, if you are a diabetic having a crash, or a sugar "high", it is physically difficult to move, and there is a serious danger of passing out if you don't adjust your levels immediately.
She may have felt signals from her body that her sugar was high, and needed to act on it right away.
I wouldn't judge her for this. Understanding and compassion would be more appropriate.
2006-10-01 16:08:24 · answer #10 · answered by whatthe 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋