I've come to realise that, try as we might, diabetes gets in the way, and there's often very little we can do about it.
As a general rule, I don't tend to worry too much about what people think of me for taking care of my D when I'm out and about. I'll test, I'll pull out my pump. I used to publicly and unashamedly inject when I was on MDI. Only once did I have someone have a problem with any of this, and I was only upset about it because they told my boss that they thought it was inappropriate and unsanitary. I never found out who it was, and that bothered me. Because if they had said it to my face, it would have been a chance to educate, to advocate. And hey, I'm all for that.
However, I've found myself in a bit of a situation which concerns me.
I'm very saddened to say that my Grandma passed away last week. It wasn't unexpected, but is still extremely sad. I loved her very much, and will miss her greatly. We are now of course, planning her funeral, which is going to take place next Monday. This is set to be quite a long affair, starting with a Mass at 12 noon. It is then looking to be until 4pm before we will get to the reception, where I will be able to eat.
It feels selfish and petty to be even concerned by this, but I have found if I eat lunch any later than 12:30, at the moment I will drop like a rock. There's no way I can leave it until 4pm. I could turn my basal off, but somehow that seems even more irresponsible as I would almost certainly sky rocket. I don't want to cause a scene. I have no desire to go hypo in the middle of Grandma's funeral, but I don't really want to have to eat there, either. So I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. Because if I was having to give myself an injection/bolus/test, I'd probably be ok with it. That's obviously something medical. But I'm not at all sure what to do about this.
So, DOC, I'm asking you for your thoughts on funeral etiquette. What do you think?
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for thing like this and weddings I use meal replacement or energy bars (I am an afternoon rokc-dropper too) that are easy to slip in the d bag..I know the carb count, I bolus a bit shy and if I go high its not much and correct after. If in the am's sometimes I use string cheese..
What about a super-decreased basal, so not quite OFF? Or stock up on glucose tabs or gel that you can easily pop in- this might be a little bit noticeable, but less than a whole lunch or a trip to the ER.
Or, this might be one of the events where diabetes just has to wait a couple hours. Expect that things won't go perfect, but those events come up every now and then. I don't personally believe that a few ups and downs on this day will mess up the rest of your d-life (I'm not a doctor, nurse etc...)
First, I'm sorry to hear about your grandma. As far as the funeral, maybe you could do a temporary basal... I've done that in meeting or situations where I can't really escape or get away even quickly to find something to eat. Have done a temp basal for any number of hours, like half-the dose. Also have carried some quick-acting carbs or glucose tabs discreetly just in case. Good luck. Again, sorry to hear of your loss - and the response from that person who told your boss... Not cool!
Can you eat a small lunch in your car just before the funeral Mass?
And my sympathy for the loss of your grandmother.
A reminder - even though her death wasn't unexpected, funerals can be stressful. Your grandmother would expect you to take care of yourself.
That's enough for me. I dont really pay attention when im at the funeral.
cremation laughlin
Hi Becky
Andrew Spong (@andrewspong) here. I've just followed you on Twitter as @C8M_UK.
Could you share an email address with me that I can contact you via? (Mine: andrew AT stwem DOT com).
I'd like to send you details regarding an invitation to an event :) Thanks!