r/AmIOverreacting • u/MeanderingDragon • Mar 06 '26

💼work/career AIO about this text I got from HR?

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So to preface, I'm Type 1 diabetic, which means I have to take multiple daily insulin injections to live. I typically take 5-8 shots per day, and while it isn't fun, it is routine and necessary.

I was at work this morning and they had a small amount of food out for some sort of 'employee appreciation' which reminded me I hadn't had any insulin yet and my glucose levels were getting too high. I took a shot of insulin, got some breakfast, and went to my desk. A few minutes later, this text arrives.

I can understand that shots make some people uncomfortable. Trust me, I'm one of those people. But I have to take them anyway. Am I overreacting to think that if you don't want to see me talking a shot, you can turn your head? Should I have to go to the bathroom which only gets cleaned twice a week, and take my shots in secret like it's a drug addiction? Perhaps it is just me, but I feel that not everything in life that makes us a little uncomfortable is something that has to be pushed out of sight. Sometimes we would benefit more from understanding, acceptance, and perhaps acclimation.

Also for the record, while they say they "mentioned this several times", our HR manager scolded me once maybe two or three years ago publicly during lunch in our cafeteria. I ignored it that time, because friends sitting around me supported me after HR walked off.

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293

u/Upset-Wolf-7508 Mar 06 '26 edited Mar 06 '26

Sometimes a "private space" that is well lit and fairly clean is difficult to find. When one requires life saving medicine to survive, my survival outweighs your feelings. If you're that distressed, walk on by.

I've been in a position where I took my shot on the sidewalk to a shopping center. I hope that's not necessary in the future but this is life saving medicine, not dope.

Edit - thank you for the award 🙂 

162

u/MeanderingDragon Mar 06 '26

Yes, this pretty much exactly encompasses how I feel about it, I am having some trouble understanding how some would prefer I be in a coma rather than take insulin where a couple people might see me.

92

u/cheeky_sugar Mar 06 '26

What about just doing it at your desk? Would they have an issue with that? At your desk, you’d be able to say “just don’t look” with more logic on your side than out at a break room or open area. Like in those areas everyone is looking and walking where they walk, which would be the argument, “people deserve the right to be at the snack table without seeing this or having to turn away” or whatever.

At your desk, no one needs to be looking over there so that would be your argument. “It’s my private cubicle, people can look elsewhere” or whatever language describes your desk situation?

66

u/MeanderingDragon Mar 06 '26

This is a fair question. I often do take insulin at my desk, but my particular job often keeps me walking around the entire building for large portions of the day. There is no guarantee that I'll have time to go to my desk before I get a call and have to rush off for some issue. Regrettably, I'm somewhat afflicted with ADHD, and for many years of forget to take insulin at all. These days, if I need it I take it immediately, surroundings be damned for the most part, and that mentality has dramatically improved my health over the past few years.

77

u/EngFarm Mar 06 '26 edited Mar 06 '26

Have you ever considered a cgm and pump?

Like not because of this work issue. Cgm/pump tends to pair well with your personality type, may help to improve/maintain your help further.

Happens to also help with this work issue but don't do it for that reason.

30

u/-laughingfox Mar 06 '26

I was going to suggest this. I resisted the pump for ages, but when I got one... omg it's life changing. Highly recommend, especially for peeps with short attention span (eg., me).

16

u/morbidconcerto Mar 06 '26

I'm here to second this! I was made to believe when I was younger (teens) that getting an insulin pump was a failure because it meant I wasn't doing enough on my own 🙄

It took my endocrinologist telling me that he only lets his well controlled patients go to pumps to give it a try. I love it, I refer to my cgm and pump as my "bionic pancreas" and no one knows when I'm injecting insulin unless they're close enough to hear the clicking sound from the pump.

OP you're NOR and definitely need to familiarize yourself with the ADA provisions that apply to you. Don't let anyone ever let you feel ashamed or embarrassed for needing insulin!

5

u/lesbian_mothman Mar 06 '26

This 100%. I was terrified of getting a pump, then resisted control IQ (a feature of tandem pumps that allows for autonomous activity based off of cgm readings) after getting my pump - then I gave both a try, and it made my life much, much easier.

2

u/-laughingfox Mar 06 '26

Amen. I've got the Tandem slim, I fucking love it so much. Imagine sleeping through the night because your pump is doing the work! Now I feel like a dope for waiting so long.

12

u/boomzgoesthedynamite Mar 06 '26

Yeah this person needs a cgm and pump.

22

u/Pleasant-Ad4784 Mar 06 '26

Then perhaps your HR manager needs to know that there are times when you need to do it immediately and you cannot wait to go to a different spot?

3

u/ttn333 Mar 06 '26

I can see why this is an issue for you. I had initially thought you had a desk job, like a little cubicle with privacy. That's why they wanted you to do it privately, since you had a private space.

3

u/FuckThisMolecule Mar 07 '26

I’m fully on your side on this! But I will second the CGM/pump rec as a diabetic with ADHD. That shit made my life SO MUCH EASIER.

12

u/imwearingredsocks Mar 06 '26

Understandable and I do agree that it’s unfair to expect you to have to go very far out of your way to do something that’s needed for your health.

I will say though, because you mentioned food, the kitchen or anywhere near food might be the only place I understand them making a big deal about you injecting insulin in public. Any form of injection in a space where food is served does not feel sanitary for the people eating or the people injecting for that matter.

Otherwise I’m in agreement with you. Do it where you need to do it to ensure you remember.

6

u/vulgarlibrary Mar 06 '26

People with diabetes need to inject insulin with meals. It’s not unreasonable to inject insulin at the table based on what is being eaten. It’s a quick and easy process and no one should be giving a person with diabetes a hard time about this.

-1

u/imwearingredsocks Mar 06 '26

That’s true and it’s not personally something that would bother me. I just feel that in a workplace it wouldn’t be ideal to do it right by where food is being served. Even off to the side by a table where you’re eating is more private.

Not everyone is going to understand why this injection is different than others. They’ll just see needle insertion near food.

Of course if it’s truly unavoidable for OP, then they need to do what they need to do to treat their diabetes. But if there’s any choice in the matter, I think that one area could be avoided.

1

u/Full_of_Vices Mar 07 '26

It. Does. Not. Matter.

It is an essential function for T1DMs to eat. Maybe you should go sit in the corner and ostracise yourself instead since children shouldn’t be allowed in the work place.

2

u/Christichicc Mar 06 '26

You may want to talk to your doctor (and see if insurance covers it) and see if a pump might be right for you.

3

u/Peachmoonlime Mar 06 '26

As a doctor, I would want my patient to take the level and get their units no matter what. Idgaf if people around you don’t like it. Those people won’t have the long term effects of poorly managed DM!! If you shoot a message to your doctors office, I bet they wouldn’t hesitate if you asked them for a letter to work instructing that under no circumstance should you be restricted from giving yourself your prescribed medical treatment

If your coworkers don’t like needles, they don’t need to look. If they feel compelled to do so, that’s something they need to address on their own time.

7

u/Haurassaurus Mar 06 '26

Having ADHD means that you need to set alarms on your phone to do your injections. ADHD is not an excuse to neglect your health.

11

u/Full_of_Vices Mar 06 '26

Insulin administration is not a strict timing activity where you can set an alarm at 13:00 every day.

You generally need to pre-bolus 10-15 (sometimes longer) minutes before you eat. A lot of individuals who are not provided sufficient time at work, or have issues with attention, can either forget to bolus on time, or bolus and forget to eat- both of which are harmful.

Your inappropriate and blunt "it's not an excuse" completely ignores the reality and real issues some people face.

5

u/IllaClodia Mar 06 '26

So then the reasonable accommodation is: since you are implying that I should take insulin at my desk and not in the break room, I may be a little slower to take calls.

YOR and here's why: in both the examples you gave, you were in places where your medical waste was in a place where food is served. That's a problem. Just like you shouldn't be asked to put yourself at risk of infection by injecting in the bathroom, colleagues should not be exposed to your bodily fluids in a food service area. Minor bleeding is common with insulin injection, but that doesn't mean it isn't a BBP risk to others. That is a competing regulations issue for management. They are not handling it correctly, and might not even be chastising you for the right reasons. But there are other factors at play than squeamish coworkers.

6

u/Full_of_Vices Mar 06 '26

Ah yes. The classic AE of insulin injections and spontaneous arterial bleeds spurting out all over the place. /s.

If you clearly have't a clue what you are talking about, then you shouldn't be commenting.

2

u/violet715 Mar 07 '26

It is not at ALL unreasonable to not want to be around people’s used needles. Regardless of why the needle was used, it is a used needle.

3

u/Cold_Barber_4761 Mar 06 '26

Seriously!

There's people in these comments acting like giving a dose of insulin is goung to lead to a Quentin Tarantino film with blood flying everywhere. It would be hilarious if it weren't so completely ignorant and incorrect!

1

u/IllaClodia Mar 06 '26

I didn't say that. But minor bleeding is common during injections. And I have been around plenty of T1 folks who can be a little cavalier with their medical waste because it is so frequent for them; one guy, totally sound mind, tried to just hand me some bloody gauze because it didn't register for him.

2

u/MissAuroraRed Mar 06 '26

Dude, I got pricked by someone's insulin pen because he left it in a cup full of pens with the cap off, and I picked up the cup. I completely understand not trusting people to be responsible with their medical waste. Some people really suck!

However, HR still majorly overstepped telling OP when and where to take their medication. Their life saving medication being administered whenever and wherever necessary is always the priority, and it's not HR's place to dictate which scenarios are sufficiently urgent.

Would it be more polite to not do it around the food? Sure, yes.

4

u/Ok_Bath6603 Mar 07 '26

OP lacks consideration for others

-1

u/Full_of_Vices Mar 07 '26

Wait until you go to any public place and see how few people wash their hands after taking a shit.

Are you going to demand remote work and for other employees to travel home to shit as well?

4

u/19931 Mar 07 '26

people shouldn't be doing insulin injections in food service areas? so diabetics aren't allowed in restaurants anymore then lmfao

1

u/AngeIicaSchuyler Mar 06 '26

Where are you putting the needle after your injection? This is a significant health risk if not properly disposed of immediately.

1

u/Full_of_Vices Mar 06 '26

There are all sorts of small, portable options. E.g. https://shop.diabetes.org.uk/products/mysharps-pocket-container-pack-of-3

1

u/goldkarp Mar 06 '26

From what they're saying in comments I don't see them carrying any sharps containers and just tossing it in the regular trash

3

u/Full_of_Vices Mar 07 '26

OP has made three comments in this topic. None of them say they are disposing of needles incorrectly.

You are full of shit.

-1

u/Late_Resource_1653 Mar 07 '26

You need to clarify.

Are you just standing in a highly public space and whipping out an injection, lifting your shirt, and injecting your abdomen rather than even going to, say, a slightly more secluded space?

Down a hallway? Turning a corner? Giving yourself a little more privacy?

The way you are saying this sounds like you may be behaving inappropriately. Your facility should be providing you a clean space to take care of yourself. Not the bathrooms. But...

-5

u/Less_Possibility_928 Mar 06 '26

YOR So are they supposed to provide you private areas every few feet so you won't be too far from one?

5

u/Rare_Tumbleweed_2310 Mar 06 '26

No. He never asked for that or implied he wanted that. What they should do is let him administer his life-saving medication wherever he so needs to.

-1

u/ChemicalCat4181 Mar 06 '26

Set alarms to remind you to check

1

u/Icestar1186 Mar 06 '26

“people deserve the right to be at the snack table without seeing this or having to turn away”

Your right not to see an insulin needle is dramatically less important than OP's right to not die. I'm a bit baffled by what you must be imagining this looking like, though, if you think it's such a big deal. If people notice and care in the first place, they just have to look another direction for 15 seconds.

1

u/cheeky_sugar Mar 07 '26

That must be the only sentence of the comment you read if you think I’m on that side lmfao

26

u/missmeowwww Mar 06 '26

NOR- quick question OP: have you considered a pump so you can adjust the insulin that way? One of my family members has Type 1 and swears by it. But I understand that’s not everyone’s choice. Your employer should be providing a clean and sanitary space for you to do your shot and properly dispose of the sharps.

29

u/relaxingmama Mar 06 '26

I hear you, but it may not be choice, either. Insulin pumps and all the DME that comes along with it is EXPENSIVE, at least in the USA. Even with good insurance, my husband's pump was a one time cost of $583, and then the infusion sets and tubing from the pump to the body cost $90 every 2 months, and the sensors that read the insulin and tell the pump what to deliver cost another $90 every 2 months for us. That's after the deductible has been met for the year, which happens for us in the first month of the year every year ($2500). And then there is the cost of insulin, emergency low supplies, and emergency high supplies.

I kinda wish he had a job where he could do shots, but my husband is a police officer and can't always find a sanitary or timely place to bolus. In an office setting? That should 100% be accommodated and provided by whiny HR lol

3

u/[deleted] Mar 06 '26

Oh my god what a dystopia. Sorry from Europe (all costs covered by universal healthcare)

13

u/JayTheJaunty Mar 06 '26

Pumps are incredibly expensive, even compared to the already absurdly high cost of insulin in the states. I get $600 quarterly just for my pump supplies and it doesn't quite cover the cost, and this is Canada where everything medical is cheaper.

2

u/Viperbunny Mar 06 '26

And they may not be appropriate. My insulin needs were higher because of another issue. My doctor told me a pump wouldn't be great because it would run out too fast. We are considering now that my needs have decreased, but it's still expensive and insurance may not approve it.

6

u/midcen-mod1018 Mar 06 '26

I am pretty sure, in the US anyway, that insurance coverage makes a difference in what is approved. And I think it’s more than just asking for a pump, there are certain criteria. I could be wrong though. I have friends with T1D kids and they have had to start with shots and then use a pump, and sometimes even with the pump may need shots.

5

u/Apprehensive_Run_539 Mar 06 '26

An insulin pump malfunction killed my mother. Fairly recently; they are not infallible.

2

u/Viperbunny Mar 06 '26

Does the company want to pay for it?! Pumps can be expensive. And it depends on how much insulin you have to inject at a time. I have type 2 diabetes, but I can't take a lot of meds. I have to take insulin. When I was having issues with vitamin deficiencies, I was using too much for the pump to accommodate. Now that I know what the problem is and my need for insulin has decreased, it's an option. But my doctor would still have to make a case to my insurance company and I still may have to pay out of pocket for some or all of it. So, if a company was going to require such a thing they better be willing to pay for it.

1

u/Upset-Wolf-7508 Mar 06 '26

No insurance. The free clinic  where I receive medical care pays for my insulin and syringes. A pump would be out of their budget.

1

u/missmeowwww Mar 06 '26

Oh no! That’s so shitty. I’m so incredibly sorry to OP that they have to deal with that.

8

u/Extension_Vacation_2 Mar 06 '26

They don’t understand how quick blood glucose can shift and cause symptoms. They are not accommodating and most probably infringing on your statutory rights.

22

u/Parking-Tie-6117 Mar 06 '26

And do they have the same rules if a person takes Tylenol in front of them? You do not need to care about other people's feelings about needles or anything else.

4

u/taxiecabbie Mar 06 '26

I'm pretty sure that the employer is within their rights to have OP take their shots privately, but they have to provide an appropriate place to do it (not the bathroom).

12

u/Expensive-Day-3551 Mar 06 '26

Why does insulin need to be private? As long as they aren’t exposing themselves there should be no issue. Insulin can be given in the arm.

-7

u/taxiecabbie Mar 06 '26

Presumably because there are people who have a difficult time with needles.

15

u/galaxychildxo Mar 06 '26

I have a very difficult time with needles and I just...look away whenever someone at home is injecting themselves. it's not hard.

-6

u/taxiecabbie Mar 06 '26

I mean, OK, but it doesn't change the fact that it's not violating OP's workplace rights to require OP to take their insulin in an appropriate private room.

The bathroom is not appropriate.

11

u/Calgary_Calico Mar 06 '26

That's not protected though, diabetes is, as it's protected under most countries disabilities act

-4

u/taxiecabbie Mar 06 '26

IANAL, but I am quite sure that it's not violating the workplace rights of a person with diabetes to have them take their insulin shots in a private room.

8

u/Calgary_Calico Mar 06 '26

It's not, as long as they provide a sanitary space for it. OP said in another conversation on this topic they suggested he use the bathroom, which is not sanitary and runs the risk of an infection

4

u/oodlesofotters Mar 06 '26

Yes but OP also said they can’t reliably take it at their desk because they forget and they only remember when they’re up and about around the office. It sounds like even if they provided a private clean space, that wouldn’t work for OP because they want to be able to take it anywhere anytime. I’m not totally sure that’s reasonable either.,,

1

u/taxiecabbie Mar 06 '26

Yeah. That's not OK. As I said originally, the bathroom is inappropriate.

The workplace needs to provide an appropriate space. When they do, then they're within their rights to have the OP use it for their insulin shots.

1

u/AngeIicaSchuyler Mar 06 '26 edited Mar 06 '26

If they are doing it in a public place and not disposing of the needle appropriately (meaning a container specifically marked for sharps, not the break room trash can) it poses a significant health risk to those around him, it’s not just “I have a hard time with needles” it’s literally a health hazard. More information is needed here about what exactly is happening.

2

u/taxiecabbie Mar 06 '26

Sure.

I'm not sure why people are getting so upset about it being a work rule in general to take injections in a safe private room. Seems best for all involved in any event.

Again. A bathroom does not suffice.

2

u/AngeIicaSchuyler Mar 06 '26

Agree with this. It should be a clean private space with a labeled and approved sharps container.

2

u/moth_u_ra Mar 06 '26

I mean, some people have severe phobias of needles and especially seeing needles inserted into the skin. To the point where I can make some people feel light headed or pass out. But I still think it’s rude the way OP’s manager texted them. They should be providing accommodations and not just asking OP to go to the bathroom.

5

u/mlurve Mar 06 '26

A coworker (someone I didn’t know) did an insulin shot next to me in a crowded conference room and I happened to glance over and see it and I fainted. I would’ve loved to have not fainted but I had no idea he was going to do that, if I knew I would’ve stepped out of the room for a second. I generally avoid situations involving blood and needles (I have to lay down for any kind of bloodwork, even a finger prick as I’ve learned, and do not donate blood so as to not cause any issues for the medical professionals at a blood drive) and have to look away whenever getting a shot/vaccine.

5

u/moth_u_ra Mar 06 '26

It’s definitely more nuanced than people understand. People who faint or get light headed from seeing needles don’t WANT to feel that way, it’s extremely involuntary. OP’s boss is in the wrong for asking them to use the bathroom for their shots, but I understand why they don’t want them administering shots in front of their coworkers.

6

u/mlurve Mar 06 '26

Yeah I agree they should provide a more sanitary private space/accommodation. I just can’t agree with the people comparing it to watching someone take a pill—it’s completely different and while I wish I could help it, I can’t!

2

u/fountainofMB Mar 06 '26

Yeah I am married to a type 1 diabetic and you get used to it but know that in public places you don't just whip out a needle. He uses washrooms for injections all the time without having such issue with it but I also nursed my kid in washrooms without making a big deal of it either.

To me it sounded like OP was in the lunchroom, which really might not be the right place if people are eating.

1

u/WritPositWrit Mar 06 '26

Swallowing a pill and sticking a needle in your body are two very different events.

13

u/[deleted] Mar 06 '26

[deleted]

5

u/alewiina Mar 06 '26

Okay but saying it makes them uncomfortable is a LOT different than a phobia. I’m sure if it was a phobia OP would be more than happy to make sure they aren’t around the phobic person when injecting.

If it just makes you uncomfortable, don’t look. Diabetics shouldn’t be forced into a corner to take their meds in secret because it makes Debbie from accounting feel icky

11

u/Kind-Sheep Mar 06 '26

People don't understand that phobias are also medical conditions that can cause a vasovagal response like the one you've described.

6

u/starfascia Mar 06 '26

Phobias like that can be made known and accommodated for. If someone really has a phobia they can provide documentation and then OP can make sure that person is out of sight before busting out the needle.

Risking his life because someone might be phobic is an unfair take.

If there’s a real issue it can be fairly resolved for both parties.

3

u/[deleted] Mar 06 '26

[deleted]

3

u/starfascia Mar 06 '26

Yeah. And it’s the employers job to accommodate BOTH ISSUES in a way that’s fair to both parties

-5

u/lifeatthejarbar Mar 06 '26

I find it so hard to believe people can go through life being that afraid of needles, which may be necessary for vaccines or other medical interventions. Guess what, plenty of chronically ill people don’t like needles either, and most of us have to suck it up and get over it. I’m so tired of how fucking soft we’ve become as a society. It’s embarrassing and pathetic. Life involves discomfort, most people are going to have to grow up and deal with their “triggers” at some point.

5

u/Kind-Sheep Mar 06 '26

.... Needle phobias are extremely well documented and real. Go speak to ONE phlebotomist.

Phobias are NOT about being soft. Phobias are not about being just scared of uncomfortable. They're involuntary and can cause you to pass out and even have seizures.

I've seen totally normal well adjusted people scream and cry and flail and pass out when having to get labs done. It is a reality of life that some people deal with REAL phobias, not your fantasy idea of a phobia where someone is just a little uncomfy

Get over yourself.

4

u/lifeatthejarbar Mar 06 '26

….and that’s fine, but it’s still their responsibility to deal with the phobia through therapy and any other means, NOT OP’s responsibility to avoid taking life-saving medication. Insulin needles are small and unless you’re looking directly at someone injecting, you would likely miss them altogether. Now if OP were going up to someone with a known phobia and putting the needle in their face or something, that would absolutely be an asshole move.

Also again, if you have a chronic illness or serious medical issue, you literally don’t get the “luxury” of being afraid of needles. You also probably have more medical trauma than the average person.

-3

u/Kind-Sheep Mar 06 '26

Mental health conditions are medical conditions

Not everyone recovers from mental health conditions

You aren't more important for being more traumatized and people also don't choose to be traumatized lol

Yeah it would blow massively to end up diabetic and have a phobia of needles lol. I've witnessed perfectly well adjusted adults need to be held down to get shots. It's just far more complex than "get over it"

Acting like a phobia is a fucking luxury lol

2

u/Lopsided-Shallot-124 Mar 06 '26

They literally can just not watch. Why should one person's medical needs trump another's?

-1

u/WritPositWrit Mar 06 '26

They are ASKING to not have to watch. Thats exactly what they want. If youre all chatting at an event in the break room and given no warning that your coworker is about to jab a needle in their body, thats the problem.

-1

u/lemonhead2345 Mar 06 '26

It is a legitimate phobia (trypanophobia) that is usually from a traumatic medical experience. It’s more than general needle anxiety. My child has it from a traumatic ER experience, and childhood vaccines have been an awful process for us (we know they’re essential, so they get them, but it involves a lot of screaming and physical restraint). We don’t know what others have gone through. It’s on OP’s employer to provide appropriate accommodations.

-3

u/galaxychildxo Mar 06 '26 edited Mar 06 '26

right, because passing out against your will due to a severe phobia or other physical reaction is just something we can all just "suck up"

edit: I'm on OP'a side. they absolutely shouldn't have to hide their injections. I just found this comment in particular to be callous, ignorant and really fucking stupid.

4

u/hi-ally Mar 06 '26

i have a needle phobia and type 1. it turns out with therapy, meds, and a will to live, yes, you can get over it. injections used to make me pass out. i spent hours thinking about them, sobbing, and hoping my diabetes would just disappear. it doesn’t, i had to get over my phobia.

-2

u/galaxychildxo Mar 06 '26

cool. let me know when therapy and meds are easily accessible for everyone.

2

u/hi-ally Mar 06 '26

have you tried getting diabetes? cured me of mine. it was either live or die. talk to me when your phobia requires accommodation at work. sorry you don’t like needles. who does??????

2

u/lifeatthejarbar Mar 06 '26

Same here. I have passed out a blood draws previously or come close to it. I now have to self-inject medication. I got over it quickly.

-2

u/galaxychildxo Mar 06 '26

this has nothing to do with that and everything to do with the fact that you're a giant loser who equates phobias so bad that the person literally passes out to "society going soft."

0

u/Few_Variation_7962 Mar 06 '26

Yeah, super needlephobic here. You develop strategies for when you need blood drawn, vaccines, IVs, epidurals. You talk to the provider doing the needle, let them know you’re terrified, always look away, tell the anesthesiologist you DO NOT want to know how big the epidural needle is. You continually hope no one you’re responsible for needs regular injections, that you don’t develop an illness requiring regular injections. I had to have 6 weeks of daily blood thinner injections after delivering my second - when the nurse came in to teach me how to inject myself I nearly jumped out of the hospital bed with a broken leg (the reason for needing the blood thinners) and instead my husband had to learn how to do it.

0

u/Triquetrums Mar 06 '26

Phobia to needles or blood can cause a vasovagal syncope. That means that the blood pressure drops without warning and the person faints. This is not something you get over. This is a response your body does without your permission, and no, it cannot be stopped. You cannot "grow up" out of your blood pressure plummeting.

What's embarrassing and pathetic is you talking out of your ass without knowing how shit works.

2

u/Jeanne23x Mar 06 '26

OP, here is the guidelines if you are US based. You have the right to request a private area to take the shots, and have a right to not be harassed for thing things you need to do for your diabetes: https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/diabetes-workplace-and-ada

I recommend reaching out to a diabetes advocacy group for more guidance.

12

u/Local-Ganache7287 Mar 06 '26

...because those aren't the only two options? You didn't say you were unwell and couldn't make it to a private space, you said you remembered and then chose to do it in a public space. This wasn't a situation where the only options were an immediate coma or taking your insulin "where a couple people might see".

17

u/whoisthismahn Mar 06 '26 edited Mar 06 '26

i had no idea people felt so strongly about other people taking their medication. how is this different than someone taking a pill in the middle of work or class (something I do all the time). OP is getting flack for a 5 second ordeal that is required for them to live. they don’t have to be on death’s doorstep to warrant taking their meds in public

edit: yes it’s a needle and not a pill. no shit these are different. yes i think looking away for 5 seconds is a lot more reasonable than OP having to move from their work station and disrupt their flow to go into a different sanitary location so no one has to god forbid be uncomfortable for a moment. like how do you guys manage to go outside

y’all are so desperate to leave a snarky comment you will go out of your way to intentionally read a message in absolute black and white terms just so you can make your little counterpoint and get your dopamine boost. jfc. yes there are difference between a pill and a needle. the concept of a life-saving medication is the same.

6

u/Lopsided-Shallot-124 Mar 06 '26

My daughter has type 1, we give her shots anywhere and anytime she needs it that is convenient for us. Sometimes she will request we go somewhere private but often it's not convenient for us to leave what we are doing and find somewhere private. It's wild to me that people care so much. It really is just like five seconds.

1

u/WritPositWrit Mar 06 '26

OP was not at their workstation, they were in a group in the break room

2

u/whoisthismahn Mar 06 '26

oh nice. they can’t even take their meds in the break room. lmao

-1

u/moth_u_ra Mar 06 '26

It’s different because needle phobias are very debilitating for some people and can make a person feel faint or even pass out. Obviously OP’s health comes first but I understand why the employer wants to mitigate shots being administered in front of coworkers.

7

u/whoisthismahn Mar 06 '26

yes i myself have a phobia of needles so i just look away when i get my blood drawn. my discomfort with someone’s medication does not override their right to freely take it

-3

u/moth_u_ra Mar 06 '26

I agree, I’m just saying it’s definitely not equivalent to taking a couple Tylenol pills

-1

u/[deleted] Mar 06 '26

[deleted]

7

u/whoisthismahn Mar 06 '26

i understand needles are being used. i don’t understand why people can’t just move their eyeballs to a different place.

-2

u/Snow2D Mar 06 '26

how is this different than someone taking a pill in the middle of work or class

Gee I dunno. There are so many reasons.

Pills are discreet. An injection requires preparation (alcohol swabs, exposed skin, proper storing/disposal of the needle after use). In general people have a more negative association with needles, linked to pain, blood and often more serious health concerns. Pills are more commonplace and used for more everyday healthcare like headaches or vitamins. An injection is more visually striking due to the above reasons. People can be scared of the sharpness of needles and the potential for injury. No such issue with pills. There people with a phobia for needles. As far as I have encountered, there are no people with a phobia for seeing other people use pills.

Honestly with so many differences I'm surprised you weren't able to think of even one

0

u/dovetaile Mar 07 '26

Insulin pens are incredibly discreet. OP's probably not taking a 20G needle and jamming it into their thigh; they're taking a needle that's no bigger than a fingernail (and actually smaller) and popping it into their stomach. Takes seconds.

0

u/Snow2D Mar 07 '26

Still needs exposed skin, still need to swab to clean the skin, still need to take off the used needle and dispose of it. And an insulin pen is magnitudes larger than a pill. A pill, you can just pop it in your mouth and swallow.

Injections are much less discreet than a pill. 

And it's fine if you think that the convenience of the needle user is more important than the discomfort it creates for the surrounding people. That's just an opinion. 

But to argue that there is no tangible difference in the discomfort created by needles vs pills is arguing in bad faith. And that's my point.

0

u/dovetaile Mar 07 '26

You don't need exposed skin, insulin injections can be done through clothing. You don't need to take off the used needle; a lot of diabetics don't bother until they're dull. Hell, you don't even need to swab; I don't and I'm fine.

Insulin pen injections are discreet.

Calling a life-saving needed medication a "convenience" is being a dick.

1

u/Snow2D Mar 07 '26

You don't need exposed skin, insulin injections can be done through clothing.

Google this: "DIABETES VIGNETTE THROUGH CLOTHING IN DIABETIC PEOPLE"

Hell, you don't even need to swab; I don't and I'm fine.

Anecdotal evidence is worthless. It's still recommended.

Calling a life-saving needed medication a "convenience" is being a dick.

The "convenience" is referring to the convenience of injecting wherever you are at that moment, instead of seeking out a private space.

1

u/dovetaile Mar 07 '26

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9051365/

Per this study: "It is safe and convenient to inject insulin through clothing."

Recommended but not required.

Sometimes you aren't able to seek out a private space to inject.

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u/Jolene11711 Mar 06 '26

Taking a pill is very different than giving yourself an injection. And further, to people saying that the bathroom is an unsanitary place to do this ...... Do you think your desk is more sanitary, with people walking around breathing on and touching it? Ew.

-1

u/Less_Possibility_928 Mar 06 '26

She wasn't at work station. If she had been, there would be no issue.

2

u/JayTheJaunty Mar 06 '26

We're supposed to take insulin about 15 minutes before eating. Delaying the injection could lead to high blood sugar or forgetting the shot entirely. If OP's BG was already high, it is entirely reasonable and responsible to take extra insulin immediately rather than waiting to return to their desk first.

7

u/Emotional_Guide2683 Mar 06 '26

It’s not like you’re dropping trou’ and inserting a suppository. lol Its a 15 second little needle into some fatty tissue. Your coworkers are rubes.

3

u/Nishwishes Mar 06 '26

These needles are also insanely tiny. Unless you're hanging over them or sat opposite and really paying attention you wouldn't even be able to see the needle from a distance. It's not like when you go to the doctors or see needles in cartoons.

1

u/prolateriat_ Mar 06 '26

I'm assuming OP possibly has auto injectors pens for their insulin.

If so, they're a quick shot in your stomach and no one is seeing an actual syringe and needle. They don't even look anything like a syringe. I have meds in auto injectors pens.

Some of the commenters are acting like OP is getting out a tourniquet and syringe/needle like a junkie.

A life threatening medical condition trumps phobias.

2

u/Pleasant-Ad4784 Mar 06 '26

I can imagine it stinks when you have a chronic medical condition you are treating simply to continue existing and doing so bothers other people. I’m sorry if the text made you feel like you were doing something wrong.

I wonder if one of your coworkers has an extreme anxiety with needles. I have a daughter who has vasovagal reactions to numerous things where she faints. Is it possible your coworker’s discomfort is to that extent? Regardless, that would not negate your feelings and I find the tone of the text from HR to be pretty crummy. They could have worded it much better and have asked if there is anything they could do to assist you so it would be easier for you to find a private space. They should have made it clear that both sides matter here. Sounds like this HR manager sucks. So what alternatives are there other than the bathroom for privacy (which isn’t viable)?

Also, you’re a champ for weathering insulin shots that often on the daily.

2

u/Viperbunny Mar 06 '26

One is a medically protected condition the other is not. Also, people like your daughter aren't forced to watch. All they have to do is not look. I understand she can't help passing out, but she can look away.

1

u/VinceP312 Mar 06 '26

How dramatic. Go in the bathroom and lock the door. It's not that hard.

1

u/gerber411420 Mar 06 '26

Could you imagine how upsetting that would be if you passed out? Think of the email you would get for that!

1

u/SignificantOtter80 Mar 09 '26

well your description of the situation didnt sound like you were in peril, so maybe figure out what narrative you want us to respond to. you said “I saw someone with sweets and remembered I needed to take my shot"

this doesnt sound like a matter of life and death or even risk of a coma. in fact, it was such a non issue that you yourself didnt even remember it.

-3

u/jupitersbears Mar 06 '26

Would you actually have gone into a coma is you took the time to walk to your desk to take your medicine?

This is the part that seems weird to me. Your description of “oh, I realized I haven’t had my insulin yet and should take it” doesn’t sound like it was an emergency. But then there a multiple comments from you and others treating it like a crisis.

If it’s a crisis, obviously take the medicine. If it’s not, maybe go to your desk or a quiet space. This just doesn’t seem that complicated.

4

u/starfascia Mar 06 '26

OP also has ADHD. And is often required to move around all over the building. So. Having to take it once he notices he’s late for a dose IS critical.

2

u/jupitersbears Mar 06 '26

Ok.

ETA: also, no need to downvote or be nasty when OP didn’t include any of thet relevant info their post. People don’t know what you don’t tell them.

1

u/starfascia Mar 06 '26

Huh? I didn’t downvote.

3

u/jupitersbears Mar 06 '26

Sorry that was meant more generally. Just frustrated with the convo overall, didn’t mean to direct it at you specifically.

4

u/JayTheJaunty Mar 06 '26

The more often blood sugar is elevated, the more inflammation and damage is caused to the body as a whole. This is the source of diabetic complications like circulatory issues or vision problems. Something as simple as injecting during a meal instead of 15 minutes in advance can have a significant impact on the efficacy of the dose you take and how long your blood sugar remains elevated after eating.

You might not consider it "a crisis" because delaying one specific injection isn't imminently going to cause death, but administering insulin in a timely manner is incredibly important every. single. time.

1

u/jupitersbears Mar 06 '26

I’m just responding to how OP is describing it. If it’s going to cause further harm then yeah it’s a crisis and treat at such. But if you talk about like “oh I just realized I hadn’t done it”, that sounds very casual so people who don’t know aren’t going to understand it’s urgent. (and I do wonder why he forgets if it’s that important, but that’s their issue and not a reason to delay further obviously)

Edited to replace “long term” with “further” as that’s more what I meant.

3

u/JayTheJaunty Mar 06 '26

Both OP and I have ADHD and there's no level of importance that makes something impossible to forget.

"I wonder why he forgets" got me feeling some kinda rage ngl

0

u/jupitersbears Mar 06 '26

I’m sorry that it upsets you I wonder why someone is routinely severely imperiling their health. It sounds like a terrible circumstance to be in, and it also sounds noteworthy and dangerous. Pretending there’s no need to consider whether the situation could be better managed is bizarre.

0

u/JayTheJaunty Mar 06 '26 edited Mar 06 '26

It bothers me because the way you continue to phrase it implies that the person with ADHD has some sort of agency in choosing to forget something important, rather than battling their brain every second to keep those important things managed.

1

u/jupitersbears Mar 06 '26

Since I didn’t know OP had ADHD, seems weird to impute that to me.

To recap: OP could have responded to HR saying, “I hear you, but it is urgent I take insulin when I need it”. Instead OP posts here and leaves out multiple important facts about himself and the situation so everyone can rage out.

My point from the start has simply been if it’s urgent, treat it as urgent. If it’s not, don’t. Be honest and communicate about it.

-1

u/illumadnati Mar 06 '26

omg you people can’t do anything

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u/JayTheJaunty Mar 06 '26

That is kind of the definition of executive dysfunction yes

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u/Overall_Lab5356 Mar 06 '26

I think those people are of the mind that the only two choices are to take the shot wherever/whenever or die. 

My fam has to do shots. None of us would ever think about taking our shots in a communal space even with family, much less work people. 

3

u/re7swerb Mar 06 '26

That’s odd to me - why do the shots need to be hidden to that degree?

0

u/Overall_Lab5356 Mar 06 '26

They don't have to be. It's respectful of others who possibly aren't interested in seeing numerous medical procedures performed on a daily basis, or who are uncomfortable with needles (including some of the shot takers). 

I cannot imagine doing it in front of coworkers, particularly when they've apparently expressed their discomfort. If OP gets diabetic foot ulcers, are they going to perform wound care at the office kitchen table as well? 

1

u/MagneticMoth Mar 06 '26

NOR - Tell her you will start injecting in her office because you need a clean/safe space in private. 💁🏻‍♀️ Certainly not going to do that in the bathroom!

1

u/Kind-Sheep Mar 06 '26

Yeah you deserve reasonable accommodations. That's how it works. If they give you trouble, they could be looking at a medical discrimination lawsuit. I think they're perfectly reasonable for requesting you do it elsewhere, but they need to provide that 'elsewhere' lol

-1

u/VegasQueenXOXO Mar 06 '26

Please stop acting like you are going to go into a diabetic coma if you don’t give yourself your insulin in front of people. You are starting to sound like an entitled AH.

You know when you need it and can prepare accordingly.

2

u/Less_Possibility_928 Mar 06 '26

My thoughts exactly!

0

u/bellmaker33 Mar 06 '26

Were you on the verge of a diabetic coma when you took your insulin in this case?

Or were you just not in the mood to take a stroll to your desk?

0

u/SICKOFITALL2379 Mar 07 '26

But you wouldn’t have gone into a coma: it wasn’t an emergency. You just didn’t remember to take your shot until you saw the table of food: per your own words.

You deserve a clean and sanitary place to take your shots at work, and you don’t deserve to be shamed for taking your shots at work.

But your co-workers also are deserving of respect. Not everyone is going to be ok with seeing someone give themselves a shot in the break room at work while eating. Did you wash your hands after you touched your skin, the needle? Where did the needle end up? If you can’t remember to take your shots do you also forget to have a sharps container on hand for disposing safely?

You didn’t manage your diabetes properly for years, something you blame ADHD for. Now you need a bunch of shots each day to be ok. At what point do you take responsibility for any of it, and with that responsibility also an understanding that the break room at work is not the best place?

You state that you don’t think things that are uncomfortable to look at should be hidden away, out of sight. Who are you to decide what someone else’s comfort level is, in the break room at work?

3

u/Shoddy_Explanation65 Mar 06 '26

Agree. This is probably very callous, but if your fear of needles is so bad that you may have a vasovagal syncope episode just from seeing one, it seems like you should seek psychological help (and maybe exposure therapy) but also find physical tools to deal with it (valsalva technique in addition to getting horizontal or mostly horizontal).

2

u/anongirl55 Mar 06 '26

Exactly! My son is a type-1 diabetic (now on the pump), and we've had to administer insulin in public countless times. People still seem rather ignorant about diabetes, and don't seem to realize that without it, a type-1 diabetic will die. I am very upset for OP, as this treatment is cruel. How about a little sympathy and grace for someone who has to inject themselves multiple times a day to keep from slipping into a coma?

2

u/Suspicious_Gas6478 Mar 06 '26

I keep my pen in a trouser pocket and will happily inject one-handed while crossing the street. This should be such a non-issue (and generally is, OP just got unlucky with an idiot HR dept)

-2

u/anne_tifah_ Mar 06 '26

A life or death situation wasn’t described here. It was like, “oh yeah I need to do that.” 

Companies over a certain size are required to provide breast feeding rooms that aren’t the bathroom and lock. They should ask to use that space for their injections.

6

u/Reimiro Mar 06 '26

Who cares? It’s absolutely absurd anyone cares that they inject their medication anytime, anywhere. It’s no one’s business but the op or someone in their position. It’s Karen’s like this that are complaining about nursing mothers too. Get over it.

1

u/Upset-Wolf-7508 Mar 06 '26

For companies meeting that threshold that would be optimal. What about small companies? Or people like me who are retired and disabled. Being in public means sometimes we're exposed to lifes unpleasantries.

1

u/Practical-Throwaway3 Mar 06 '26

When I worked in food service, they always made me go do my blood sugar + insulin in the walk-in freezer.