Diabetes in japan

17 comments

1. Never seen anyone doing it in the open, and most people might assume you’re doing drugs so might be a better idea to do it in a restroom.

2. Also a type 1, I had no issues in Japan. I just kept it to myself and injected under the table/out of view from others when out eating, but I didn’t change my usual strategy.

3. I might be ignorant, but I do not think I’ve ever seen a person do their blood test or injection in public, not in Canada and not in Japan.

   Also, if you plan to go for more than one month, you will need to fill some paperwork to bring more than 1 month of supply.

4. Also a type 1 myself, just don’t worry about it, I’ve injected my insulin in very different places, even standing if it was urgent, nobody will mind really.

5. [deleted]

6. it is interesting how most people act woke but op is literally trying to survive with poking themselves and all hellbent loose….

7. I would imagine in a country that doesn’t approve of blowing your nose in public wouldn’t approve of insulin injection either. In reality though I think as long as your subtle and aware of your surroundings it would be fine.

8. If it’s in the stomach and you have to loosen trousers or unbutton shirts I would highly recommend the bathroom/in private in Japan if it’s a regular thing. In most places I’ve lived to be honest as it requires exposing skin.
   Of course in an emergency anything goes and you do what needs to be done.

9. I’m type 1 myself, and I’d say same rules apply anywhere, Japan not being some Mecca you’ll get thrown out of if they disapprove of what you do. Not sure if you’re in the states, but when I’m out and about, I try to find a somewhat quiet place and hit my thigh. With shorts, it’s easy. Back of arms, and even belly work ok depending on how discreet you do it. Just decency, is what I’d say. Seen folks drop trousers above the knee before and that’s just not a good deal no matter what country you’re in.

10. Type 1 here 👋 travelled around Japan for 6 months and nobody said a thing! I openly injected in public – it was either that or finding somewhere private, which can be difficult! Don’t worry about it, enjoy your trip and just focus on managing those blood levels 🤜😊

11. Type 1. I don’t recall having to alter my typical injecting “behavior” nor getting any looks of disapproval. I’m racking my memory trying to remember whether I ever went to a restaurant washroom to administer my bolus but I can’t even recall doing that.

    I was more concerned about them letting me in due to bringing too much insulin and even had a doctor’s note ready just in case, but they didn’t even ask or seemed to care.

12. If you are discreet when injecting yourself. When I had to test myself before dinner (type 2) I did it discreetly under the table.

13. My dad didn’t have any issues but he usually did his injection at night in the hotel

14. Lived in Japan for over 6 years with type 1 diabetes. As elsewhere in the world–very few people will care and even fewer will notice unless they’re sitting there watching and waiting for it to happen. Just don’t make a show of it. If you’re just doing a quick 5 second blood sugar test and lifting your shirt a little bit to give a quick injection in your stomach, you’ll have absolutely no problems.

    You should fill out Yakkan Shoumei forms for your prescriptions before you arrive, but I’ve literally never been asked for them upon arrival. Diabetes is so common and insulin is so ubiquitous that I would be absolutely shocked if you had problems with or without the form.

    Edit: Note that I really do recommend filling out the Yakkan Shoumei just in case. I truly cannot imagine having a problem even without it, but I can’t endorse taking a chance–especially when you can do it all so painlessly online nowadays.

15. I’ve been a Type 1 diabetic for nearly 30 years. Although I have yet to travel in Japan, it’s on my bucket list, I have traveled in Spain, Canada, Turkey and South Africa with no issues at all. I’ve had a CGM, Dexcom, now for 3 years so no more finger sticks. I use pens with Toujeo but only at bed time. Otherwise I use syringes and vials of insulin. At first I would do my shots in the restroom but not very often anymore. It’s easy to hide under most tables. Just make sure everything you need is in your carry-on. Only once did I have to explain to TSA.

16. I’ve lived in Japan 30 years, just became type 1 a year ago December.

    I eat lunch at my desk daily, I eat out in restaurants 2 a week for dinner (due to evening work obligations). Never been an issue.

    I don’t make a show of it, but I have had zero reaction to checking my bs, or taking my shots. However, I do make an effort to discreetly take my shot in my abdomen just below table height when in public, just to be polite.

17. Type 1 here. Traveled to Japan once as non-diabetic and 3 more times as diabetic.

    Honestly, nobody has cared. I have cared more than they have. Don’t make a show of it, as others have said. Japanese people typically mind themselves and are socially conservative in that they don’t get involved in other peoples personal matters—especially not in a complete stranger’s.

    If you ever go to some place like a landmark where your bag needs to be checked and they ask about your devices or insulin pens/syringes, you can just say “Tōnyō desu”, which essentially translates to “I am diabetic.”

    I even had pizza in a small cafe in ibaraki and when the woman there she asked about how I wanted the crust, I told her that I was diabetic. And she specially made a thin crust pizza for me, even though it was not on the menu. I’d not asked her to do such, but it was very considerate of her.

    And I think that’s kind of a theme in Japan, people are considerate of others—and that can mean minding their own business, too. I wouldn’t go expecting that people will go above and beyond for your dietary restrictions, but you should feel safe in knowing that people won’t give you a hard time or make you feel overly conscious of your condition.