Telling people

[DeusXM]

Ok, this is rather awkward, but here goes...

I'm not 'ashamed' of having diabetes at all, but I am one of those people who doesn't wear their problems on their sleeve. I don't feel any sort of compulsion to broadcast to the world that I have diabetes in the same way other people will tell you before you've even asked that they have asthma or a peanut allergy or any one of the many afflictions that people seem to revel in. My issue is that once you let the cat out of the bag, you have to deal with all sorts of well-meaning but ultimately quite irritating people.

Basically if asked, I don't cover it up but otherwise it's just not an issue that I feel other people need to deal with. Having survived for 8 years pretty much 'on my own' so to speak (ie. I have never, ever needed assistance from anyone with managing my condition) I'm pretty used to being self-reliant and making sure that I don't need other people to get involved.

The thing is, I've just moved into a new houseshare with some strangers, who I get on really well with. The only thing is that I feel I should tell them something but unfortunately I've done the classic man thing. I waited for a good opportunity in the first week and it didn't come up, so I waited again. Now I've been there for a month and it sorta seems like I may have missed the sensible window of opportunity.

My problem is that I don't want to do a "Can we all sit down? I've got something to tell you..." but I can't really find a pressure-free window of opportunity. The best chance I had was yesterday when I bought a diet Coke but unfortunately one of my new housemates then said "drinking a girl's drink?" and I felt it might be slightly harsh to cut her down by saying "well actually, I'm diabetic so I can't drink the regular stuff without dying."

Basically then, I'm looking for suggestions about how to break the appalling news that the new housemate isn't in fact total and utter physical perfection, but without making it seem forced or confessional or something. Or, given that one of my housemates moves out this month and the other one goes in September, shall I just footle along as I've been doing and put things off indefinitely?

[trailrunner]

Maybe try " Oh hey guy's did I tell you i'm a diabetic? " just very casually. Maybe do a finger stick around them.

[corwin]

I don't have a good advice but I can share how I'm handling it. I mention it if it comes up. I never just met someone and said I'm diabetic just because I thought they need to know. If I need to inject\test near someone who doesn't know, or I need to refuse coke or something, or if it just come up in a conversation I'll say it. The way I see it, it's only a big deal if you make it so.

[Jaclyn]

Maybe just say when someone brings it up "oh I thought you all knew already" lol. I feel the same way. Ihavetn told anyone but my immediate family. Last week at my daughters bday party my best friend in the whole world since we were kids saw my meter box on the fridge and of course asked who was diabetic and looked at me with a weird smurk on her face. I got nurvous and said yum yum hummm I dont know (geez) I said maybe it was my mother in laws as she was at the house cleaning out her room she keeps storage in here (we have an extra bdrm) Im not ready to tell anyone yet. I think its just I dont want anyone to treat me diffrently. I feel really bad not telling her but one day i will when Im ready.

[jeggeman31]

If it was me, I would do one of 2 things

1st I would test my BS around them and then when they ask explain or
2nd I would (if it is possible) to all have a meal together and then inject in front of them, and then again explain once they look at you funny

[duck]

Burst into the room when they are all there, yell "You people are the UGLIEST group of people in the world!" And after that gets their attention, tell them.

Yeah, dude, you have a problem of sorts. Too bad Seinfeld isn't popular there, or else I could advise you to tell your roomies that you are in a "Mulva-situation", and that would break the ice...

More info on "Mulva": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Junior_Mint_(Seinfeld_episode)).

For what it's worth, I have yet to tell anyone I work closely with that I am a Type 1.

[DeusXM]

If it was me, I would do one of 2 things

1st I would test my BS around them and then when they ask explain or
2nd I would (if it is possible) to all have a meal together and then inject in front of them, and then again explain once they look at you funny

Yeah, this is the thing though. Those are very extreme steps in that they show all the body fluid parts of the condition. I'd rather not wave the dirty parts of diabetes in their faces, especially since I think a lot of people can cope better with "I have diabetes" rather than "Look at my blood!"

I dunno, guess I'll just have to keep ordering diet Coke until I get the question asked again and I have to make my housemate feel a bit sheepish.

[spike]

Ok, this is rather awkward, but here goes...

I'm not 'ashamed' of having diabetes at all, but I am one of those people who doesn't wear their problems on their sleeve. I don't feel any sort of compulsion to broadcast to the world that I have diabetes in the same way other people will tell you before you've even asked that they have asthma or a peanut allergy or any one of the many afflictions that people seem to revel in. My issue is that once you let the cat out of the bag, you have to deal with all sorts of well-meaning but ultimately quite irritating people.

Basically if asked, I don't cover it up but otherwise it's just not an issue that I feel other people need to deal with. Having survived for 8 years pretty much 'on my own' so to speak (ie. I have never, ever needed assistance from anyone with managing my condition) I'm pretty used to being self-reliant and making sure that I don't need other people to get involved.

The thing is, I've just moved into a new houseshare with some strangers, who I get on really well with. The only thing is that I feel I should tell them something but unfortunately I've done the classic man thing. I waited for a good opportunity in the first week and it didn't come up, so I waited again. Now I've been there for a month and it sorta seems like I may have missed the sensible window of opportunity.

My problem is that I don't want to do a "Can we all sit down? I've got something to tell you..." but I can't really find a pressure-free window of opportunity. The best chance I had was yesterday when I bought a diet Coke but unfortunately one of my new housemates then said "drinking a girl's drink?" and I felt it might be slightly harsh to cut her down by saying "well actually, I'm diabetic so I can't drink the regular stuff without dying."

Basically then, I'm looking for suggestions about how to break the appalling news that the new housemate isn't in fact total and utter physical perfection, but without making it seem forced or confessional or something. Or, given that one of my housemates moves out this month and the other one goes in September, shall I just footle along as I've been doing and put things off indefinitely?


Nearly everyone I've ever met has a relative or friend who is diabetic, or is diabetic themselves. I wouldn't worry excessively about discussing your DM with your housemate.

[duck]

Yeah, this is the thing though. Those are very extreme steps in that they show all the body fluid parts of the condition. I'd rather not wave the dirty parts of diabetes in their faces, especially since I think a lot of people can cope better with "I have diabetes" rather than "Look at my blood!"

I dunno, guess I'll just have to keep ordering diet Coke until I get the question asked again and I have to make my housemate feel a bit sheepish.

When it comes up and you tell them, just say "But I had you fooled that I was an otherwise normal human being!"

[poodlebone]

I never used to tell anyone either. I don't know if it was because I was ashamed, but more that I thought the other people would react badly and treat me differently. Now I have a pump, and it's usually visible. If anyone asks, I'll tell them what it is but I don't whip it out and start telling anyone why I have it. I only tell new people if it comes up.

I think the best thing to do would just leave your supplies, maybe just your meter and a pen, out where they can see it. You don't have to test around them and you don't even have to be near it. If there's a common area, just leave it out for a bit. Who knows, they may not even notice it!

[red]

I am a sorta-newly diagnosed Diabetc (since March) For those who I don't tell about my condition (for alot of the same reasons you mentioned), I just say that for my health I am watching carbs... they don't agree with me.

People have been really "generous" with their own help and opinios ;/ But whne I just say that I am watching carbs (ya know it was/is a new popular thing with Atkins and South Beach and such) folks get the picture.

In case of an emergency, in my wallet, I do have a card that says I am a diabetic.

[Stuboy]

Personally i would have used the diet coke opportunity! and i'd have said exactly what you didn't want to say..

A. because it's true
B. because it would make him think twice about saying something like that, and actually realise these drinks exist for a GOOD REASON.
C. i'd have just found it amusing and it's just my sarcastic sense of humour as well :)

Of course... You could level your pen and a tester kit laying around and when asked... whats this? explain...

or maybe leave your "I am diabetic" wallet card on the table?

[DeusXM]

Nearly everyone I've ever met has a relative or friend who is diabetic, or is diabetic themselves. I wouldn't worry excessively about discussing your DM with your housemate.

That's not really the issue though. Maybe I'm just really misfortunate but I'm one of those people who seems to end up getting all sorts of unsolicited 'advice' from people who find out I have diabetes - usually because they all know someone with T2. It gets a bit exasperating when everyone who you tell replies "Oh, my gran's diabetic. She does this, this and this..."

Maybe I'm just hypersensitive or judgemental or something.

[Lex4153]

I was thinking the same thing. Diet is not a "girlie" drink. As a woman I take offense to that. So men eat like **** and women don't? That doesn't make sense to me, lol.

I agree that it's not really anyone's business. But if something ever happened to you, your housemates need to know what to do in case of an emergency. A card in the wallet is good, but your wallet is not always on you. I'd leave something around that signifies you're diabetic. Or if someone is having something sweet, say nonchalantly, "Ah, I miss _______." Or something. It can just be brought up casually.

I haven't told my roommates. But all my friends and family know. My neighbor knows. My landlord knows. People I used to work with. It just came up somehow. I didn't sit anyone down and say, "We have to talk." It just came about.

Good luck and tell us how it goes!

[spike]

That's not really the issue though. Maybe I'm just really misfortunate but I'm one of those people who seems to end up getting all sorts of unsolicited 'advice' from people who find out I have diabetes - usually because they all know someone with T2. It gets a bit exasperating when everyone who you tell replies "Oh, my gran's diabetic. She does this, this and this..."

Maybe I'm just hypersensitive or judgemental or something.

Tell them not all diabetics use the same therapy and you know what works for you and leave it at that. Or just let them tell their story and thank them...

[DeusXM]

Tell them not all diabetics use the same therapy and you know what works for you and leave it at that. Or just let them tell their story and thank them...

Frustating, innit? I actually invented a card which I really should have got made up and laminated.

http://www.diabetesforums.com/restaurant-eating/2720-injecting-public-place-7.html#post62123

- Yes, I have to inject at least twice a day and then each time I eat.
- Yes, that means I probably inject 5-7 times a day.
- Yes, really.
- No, it doesn't hurt, and even if it did, it's not like I have a choice.
- Yes, I can eat that.
- And that.
- No, really, I can.
- I don't care if you say your diabetic gran can't. I'm not your diabetic gran.
- There's no such thing as 'a little bit' or 'severely' diabetic.
- Excuse me, but I think I'm a bit more of an authority on this than you.
- Any further questions please consult a medical textbook. I'm eating.

[spike]

Frustating, innit? I actually invented a card which I really should have got made up and laminated.

http://www.diabetesforums.com/restaurant-eating/2720-injecting-public-place-7.html#post62123

I don't think I've run across the same problems discussing my diabetes as you have in my 29 years as a diabetic. No one has either offended me or gotten into a protracted discussion about my therapy. Most of my discussions revolve around my discussing the benefits of using an insulin pump. <g>

[Just_Plain_John]

I guess I get it out of the way pretty quickly, but I'm not dramatic about it, and don't rush right in to tell them. As you said, when the opportunity comes up.

"Oh, wait a minute - I have to test my blood sugar before we go - I'm a diabetic."

"Oh does blood freak you out ? (grin) Darn, I was hoping it would..."

"I watch what I eat because I take insulin. I can have pretty much what I want, but I'm careful with sweets and such."

That usually covers things. Everyone has been cool about it - and I'm going to REALLY give someone a hard time about it if I ever get any smacktalk over it ! All in good fun of course. I guess as I am approaching geezer status, I really don't care much about REALLY offending anyone anymore.

[SueM]

Do you all share the same fridge in the house? If so your insulin should bestored in there so unless blind your sharers would have seen the insulin.

When unsolicited advice is given I just give a blank look and say "wow thanks for your advice how long have you been a specialist on diabetes?"

Works a treat and no more is said. :-
If you do feel uncomfortable about mentioning your diabetes how about leaving a diabetes magazine out for all to see after you have had a good read in front of house mates :)

[BriOnH]

Deus,
May I ask how you have been able to hide that you are diabetic? Do you go out of your way to hide testing and injections? Usually those actions will queue people's interests. I will not go out of the way to tell anyone I am a diabetic, but I also will test or inject whenever, where ever, i feel i need too. I'd tell the person you are closest to in the home that if you ever act funny or go out of it, that you are a diabetic and that could be the reason why.

Most of my close colleuges at work know I am diabetic, and all are luckily well educated on diabetes before me. There was a new hire recently though and I had to literally say to him "Let me worry about my diabetes, you worry about your work.". This was after 20 questions, and him telling me "Did you know yoga can get rid of your diabetes?". kicking his butt(actually obliterated is a better term :) ) in raquet ball was an absolute highlight.

[corwin]

- Yes, I have to inject at least twice a day and then each time I eat.
- Yes, that means I probably inject 5-7 times a day.
- Yes, really.
- No, it doesn't hurt, and even if it did, it's not like I have a choice.
- Yes, I can eat that.
- And that.
- No, really, I can.
- I don't care if you say your diabetic gran can't. I'm not your diabetic gran.
- There's no such thing as 'a little bit' or 'severely' diabetic.
- Excuse me, but I think I'm a bit more of an authority on this than you.
- Any further questions please consult a medical textbook. I'm eating.

Great one. :rofl:

[Keezheekoni]

Maybe put a bottle of glucose tablets on top of the fridge. When one of them asks what they're for, that's the opening you're looking for. :D

I've not ever had a problem with letting people know. I go to a lot of conventions for PTA and Girl Scouts and I'm always eating around people. I choose not to test and inject in the bathroom (just like I wouldn't breastfeed one of my kids in the bathroom), so I do it out in the open and if someone has a question then I answer. Of course, I think where I live there happen to be a lot of diabetics (and a lot of breastfeeders!) so one really doesn't get a lot of nasty looks or anything... LOL

[duck]

I don't think it's a problem of letting them know, it's just that Deus has passed that point of where it is typical that something like that is revealed. It just makes it a bit awkward.

[BriOnH]

Maybe put a bottle of glucose tablets on top of the fridge. When one of them asks what they're for, that's the opening you're looking for. :D



That's a pretty good idea.

However you decide to approach it, I hope it goes well for you.

[June91]

I don't think it's a problem of letting them know, it's just that Deus has passed that point of where it is typical that something like that is revealed. It just makes it a bit awkward.
Yes, I think he's trying to make it less of an issue NOW that numerous windows of opportunity have gone by.

I'd go with something along the lines of "... and guys, it's so much a part of me, I didn't even stop to think that I'd have to specifically let you know... it's like being blond, without the horrible side efects..."

But then I AM blond.:hmmmm2:

[am1977]

IMO, I would just be honest. Tell them that you don't want anyone making a big deal out of it, b/c you have had this disease for over _ years & have it under control... but you just want to let them know you have it in case of an emergency. I'd go ahead and go over what to do in case of an emergency and just leave it at that.

Good luck :)

[Ailsa]

Try & drop it in casually. An occassion like the coke one, or just do a test & say something like " I just need to test my blood sugar" first, & take it from there. I'd drop the sarcasm. It's will come across as a defense mechanism & is not constructive. Iv'e found some people are interested to know more in a positive way, & I'm happy to give a brief explanation in that case, but very few offer advice. Not only is it rude, but most people recognise they don't know much about it.
I didn't tell ANYONE for many years, & some of my friends were offended when they found out. I also had a bad hypo at work & it was difficult to explain why I hadn't told them.
After years of sneaking off to the bathroom I now do all my tests & shots wherever I am, ie desk. I work on contract in different businesses every couple of months & almost noone has ever noticed & the same applies in restaurants. Most people have no idea what you're pen is. In the old days when one had to draw the insulin out of a syringe it was a bit different! A lot of people also think the test strip sucks the blood out of your finger & I don't disillusion them because as you say, people have become a bit neurotic about the blood thing since Aids. I have a zip pocket in the side of the meter case so I put the used strip in there & dispose of it when I get home.
I think you should try & grab an opportunity asap. You can create the opportunity yourself, you don't need to wait for it come along.

[klpants]

Quote DeusXM That's not really the issue though. Maybe I'm just really misfortunate but I'm one of those people who seems to end up getting all sorts of unsolicited 'advice' from people who find out I have diabetes - usually because they all know someone with T2. It gets a bit exasperating when everyone who you tell replies "Oh, my gran's diabetic. She does this, this and this..."





Deus

I totallly know what you mean. I'm very selective now about who I tell I am type 1 to cause of the exasperating comments from people. I try and get to know the person first for a few minutes, if they are idiots then no way am I telling them cause if it came down to getting help from them I wouldn't want it anyway. But if the person is sensible and doesn't overreat at the most silly things then yeah, maybe I'd tell them.

If it's not an issue (It sounds like you're just feeling it needs to be made into an issue the longer you go without telling your housemates) just do things you are doing now. If a time comes up then so be it make someone feel sheepish, after all hopefully the next time they say "diet drink is for girls" they will remember that not everyone is fortunate enough to have perfect health like themselves!!

Just relax......

[Mich]

Hey Deus,

By now you've probably let it slip to your roommates, but if not these comments are sure to get their attention. Also, one or two people at a time might be easier than all at once.

(On the way out the door) "Hold on, I have to shoot up :-"

(Pulling out your glucose tabs) "I'm running a little low."

"Don't throw away this bleach bottle--it's my SHARPS disposal."

When the diabetes commercial comes on TV: "Hey, did I tell you guys I'm a diabetic? Bet you didn't even know."

"I'll be right there, I've got to do a quick test."

As for getting unsolicited advice, say the same thing you would to anyone who offers unwanted suggestions. "Thanks, maybe I'll try that" then promptly forget it. Most people are just thinking they are helping when in fact, they don't know squat.

From the good advice you give to others on this board, I know you will handle this one more easily than you think. Best to you,

Mich

[parrotletzoo]

I never hesitate to talk about diabetes. I don't bring it up with every person I see but I don't hide it either. I test when I need to and dont care if people see. I used to inject, pump the same way. If people know I have diabetes it doesn't bother me and I don't mind the questions either. Primo opportunity to educate the D-uneducated.

That being said, I don't like talking to people about the islet transplant because most people that don't have diabetes have no clue what I"m talking about and I have to explain not only the transplant but diabetes too. Kind of a backwards situation for me now

[sugarfree76]

I will tell anyone and everyone, I don't give a rat's ***. This is WHO I AM!!!
If people can't accept it, they can go ---- 'emselves....errr...fly a kite :wavey:
I got very cruel when my own 'friends' would not invite me to their bday parties because I was diabetic. F 'em all, I say

[archimeech]

Ok, this is rather awkward, but here goes...

I'm not 'ashamed' of having diabetes at all, but I am one of those people who doesn't wear their problems on their sleeve....

Having survived for 8 years pretty much 'on my own' so to speak (ie. I have never, ever needed assistance from anyone with managing my condition) I'm pretty used to being self-reliant and making sure that I don't need other people to get involved.....


Deus,
You're still very young in your diabetes. Eventually, you will need someone's assistance, and remember the other forumite that has lost a good bit of his ability to speak and to continue working in the field he enjoyed because a well meaning co-worker didn't know how to help him treat a low. I thought you were brighter than seeing that telling people about a serious condition as a crutch or something that people "revel" in. You're definitely not that type of individual, and letting them know is far different than bringing it up and taking every conversation back to the issue. I'm sure you don't use it to get preferential treatment, and I'd expect there to be some questions, but those only come out of concern. I'd worry more if no one cared, that would definitely tell you that your housemates weren't going to be there for you in a pinch.

[archimeech]

p.s. Pardon the run-on, meandering flow of the above post. Hopefully the jist of what I was saying got across. :)

[DeusXM]

I thought you were brighter than seeing that telling people about a serious condition as a crutch or something that people "revel" in.

I guess I'm one of life's natural stoics. I've lost track of the amount of people who have even the most minor allergy and spend every opportunity informing people about it instead of just getting on with their lives. I have to say one of my most satisfying moments was a group meal in an Italian restaurant and one girl was whining about gluten intolerant and how she had to be ever so careful with what carbohydrates she ate.

"Really? You have to be careful with your carbs?" I said as I jabbed some Novorapid into my arm right in front of her.

I know, I'm basically an asshole. I'm so male - I do the whole classic guy thing of just getting on with it. On the plus side though, I've got a feeling the subject's going to come up tonight - one of my housemates has just texted me asking if she can use my computer while I'm at work today and I've just remembered I've left one of my BG monitors right next to the keyboard. Should be fun!

[gettingby]

I guess I'm one of life's natural stoics. I've lost track of the amount of people who have even the most minor allergy and spend every opportunity informing people about it instead of just getting on with their lives. I have to say one of my most satisfying moments was a group meal in an Italian restaurant and one girl was whining about gluten intolerant and how she had to be ever so careful with what carbohydrates she ate.

"Really? You have to be careful with your carbs?" I said as I jabbed some Novorapid into my arm right in front of her.

I know, I'm basically an asshole. I'm so male - I do the whole classic guy thing of just getting on with it. On the plus side though, I've got a feeling the subject's going to come up tonight - one of my housemates has just texted me asking if she can use my computer while I'm at work today and I've just remembered I've left one of my BG monitors right next to the keyboard. Should be fun!
Ok, let's try this again. Had my message all typed out and my comp decides to shut down. :hmpf:
LOL on the shot in front of her.:)
Let us know how tonight goes.
I have to say that I agree with what Meech said in the above reply. You never know when you may need someone's help and it would be better if they knew what to do and what not to do.
Ok, my .02 worth. Take it as you will.

[Stuboy]

i agree, it's better to know that someone around you knows how to help. I know that im going to have a one to one with a couple of my supervisors at work when i return in 5 weeks, to explain to them what to do if i was to pass out at work.

Twice already i've spoken to friends/family about passing out and the first thing they thought was that i would need my insulin pen!!! I promptly corrected them!

[archimeech]

i agree, it's better to know that someone around you knows how to help. I know that im going to have a one to one with a couple of my supervisors at work when i return in 5 weeks, to explain to them what to do if i was to pass out at work.

Twice already i've spoken to friends/family about passing out and the first thing they thought was that i would need my insulin pen!!! I promptly corrected them!


This is the greatest misconception, and my biggest fear. It's not medicine, it's a synthetic hormone. I wish I didn't have to know more than the average person about medicine.

[Just_Plain_John]

"Really? You have to be careful with your carbs?" I said as I jabbed some Novorapid into my arm right in front of her.

Oh, man ! That is FUNNY !

"Hey, take insulin or die, that's MY motto !" :biggrin:

[2sweet4now]

I hear you Deus, I too have received unsolicited advice from people who'd do better to keep quiet!

I was at Costco the other day and had a small pastry sample, 12 carbs. My 8 year old reminded me to use my pump - just being sweet. The gal giving out the samples proceeded to literally scold me and give instruction on diabetes, even though she didn't even know what an insulin pump was!

When people hear that you have diabetes it seems to give them free reign to share their knowledge - or lack of. Guess it's something we need to expect.
One of the things I tell everyone regarding anything that isn't someone else's business is to say , "thank you, I'll take that under consideration" - then end it. Shuts people up real fast!

About your roomates, it would be wise to tell them. It's great that you've been able to do well on your own, but what if something does go wrong? The outcome could be pretty bad if you're give the wrong treatment.

[BriOnH]

one of my housemates has just texted me asking if she can use my computer while I'm at work today and I've just remembered I've left one of my BG monitors right next to the keyboard. Should be fun!

lol. One person at work saw my Freestyle Flash out on my desk and thought it was a USB flash drive. He's cool, so I told him it was a meter.

[modbom]

I too am bothered by the unsolicitated advice and sympathy from people who are almost 100% of the time mistaken about type 1 diabetes. Tell 'em anyway. Tell your housemates like your telling them about a message or some mail they got, i.e. like something that's no big deal. They don't all have to be around. You can tell each one whenever you see them. I totally understand feeling weird about it and feeling weird about waiting to tell them. I would probably do the exact same thing you have in that situation. It'll be a load off for you and it'll be nice to know that your house mates are cool about it. So go tell 'em. We're all with you here.

[BriOnH]

This is the greatest misconception, and my biggest fear. It's not medicine, it's a synthetic hormone. I wish I didn't have to know more than the average person about medicine.

Medication is defined as:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/medication
n 1: (medicine) something that treats or prevents or alleviates the symptoms of disease [syn: medicine, medicament, medicinal drug] 2: the act of treating with medicines or remedies

Insulin is a medication, a hormone, a protien(with a disulfide bridge), and an enzyme. [almost] Every diabetic knows more than the average person about medicine.

[DeusXM]

To be honest though, I'd prefer to tell people that insulin was medication - and that because they're not medically qualified, they shouldn't even dream of administering it. At least that way it gets across the point that the worst thing they can probably ever do is try to give me insulin.

[jeggeman31]

At least that way it gets across the point that the worst thing they can probably ever do is try to give me insulin.


Good point. I was having a low once at work, and my co workers wanted to figure out how to give me a shot of insulin. I explained to them I needed sugar and they looked at me like I was off my rocker. After I was back to normal we had a talk!

[marielea]

you could leave some insulin out...that should make them ask questions! i don't think you missed the opportunity at all...i would just bring it up as a...oh...by the way...

[BriOnH]

Did you ever get the chance Deus?

[DeusXM]

Nah, it's not really popped up since and to be honest I really can't be bothered to make an effort to bring it up deliberately now. I know that's probably the wrong thing to do but I'm used to being self-reliant.

[duck]

I have a technique where when I need to discuss something awkward, I just curse real loud at a bad time, then I dive into the conversation.

I've come to notice that doing so really gets my in-laws attention, but my wife never wants to talk about what it was I was trying to talk about when I do that...

[Shocked]

I work for a small company, maybe 25 people total. There were about 6 of us in a training session recently and as a prize, the trainer handed out a cup full of bite size chocolates. I won, whoo hoo, took one and passed the cup saying "I'm sweet enough as it is". The 2 there that knew just smiled knowingly, the others looked around and kind of half laughed like there was some private joke. I let a minute go by and then mentioned that I was insulin dependent. End of discussion.

Most people that I run into really want to know. Few actually share or at least try to. I make it obvious to those that I know more about this than they do and actually recommend this forum if they would like to know more.