DEAR ABBY: I am 22, and a year and a half ago I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I must inject myself with insulin four times a day. If I am going to be away from home for more than a few hours, I must bring my insulin and other supplies with me.
When I'm in public -- like in a restaurant -- I feel as though going off alone to inject myself is denying a part of who I am, so I choose to remain visible when I inject. What is your take on this? I have never seen anyone else do it in plain view, but I would like to because diabetes is nothing to be ashamed of. People often ask questions when I do it, and I'm happy to answer them and to spread awareness.
Do you agree that accepting a disease like this is more easily achieved when one is not isolating oneself? -- UNASHAMED IN SOUTH CAROLINA
DEAR UNASHAMED: Yes, I do -- and I have seen someone with diabetes inject himself while seated at a dinner table. My initial reaction was one of concern, and I am sure that is how others would react as well. Having a disease like diabetes is nothing to be ashamed of, and whether you choose to inject your insulin in public is a personal choice, depending upon how comfortable a person feels about it.