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Insulin-dependent European travel: restaurant ettiquette

Posted by (Atlanta, Georgia) on

Hi all,

I have type-II diabetes and have to take check my blood sugar before each meal and give myself a small shot of insulin no more than 10 minutes before eating. I've gotten very adept at doing this in the States. When I was first diagnosed a few years ago and would eat out at a restaurant, I would excuse myself for the restroom when my food arrived (usually eating with a companion) to check my glucose and give myself a shot. Then I got a little braver and learned how to discretely do this at my table....not in formal restaurants, but in casual cafes, bistros, and the like.

But, I'm traveling to London and Amsterdam soon and will have days on my own, mostly during lunch, when I'll need to follow my diabetes regimen...and I'm already feeling self conscience about checking my glucose and giving myself a shot at my own table. But, excusing myself for the restroom just as my food arrives with no one left sitting at my table seems very awkward.

I guess I'm just looking for some encouragement from people who have situations similar to mine and how they've solved the problem. Do you just go ahead, damned the torpedoes, and take care of business discretely at your table...or do you excuse youreself for the restroom?

BTW, going straight to the restroom when I first arrive at the restaurant is not an option, as I must give myself the shot of insulin no more than 10 minutes before eating, and the wait time for food from the time to sit until food arrives at the table is too unpredictable. If I take the shot too early, I risk dangerously lowering my blood sugar...not something I want to do, especially if I'm by myself.

Posted by
11613 posts

Beth, I see the dilemma. Would it be possible for you to carry a snack that you can eat after testing in the restroom, but before your meal arrives? I know that in some countries, bread usually arrives at the table immediately after you are seated, so you could go to the restroom knowing there will be something on the table when you return, but it is not a universal custom.

Posted by
368 posts

Hi Beth:

I do not have a health concern like yours, but I would say that your health is more important that what other people might think. If you have a regimen and it is discreet I would not worry. I would wager that most people will not even notice what you are doing.

However, if you are self conscious, and I do understand why you might be, pick a table that is out of the main sightlines, or sit with your back to the room. But if you are asked, simply say you have a medical condition that requires a specific regimen and leave it at that. If someone stares look back and smile. It is much more important that you keep up your health while on your trip.

Posted by
17228 posts

In London, you could have your solo lunches at places where you pick up your food and take it to a table yourself, rather than a place with table service. Prêt a Manger is a "fast and fresh" takeaway place with lots of healthy options, and most have a few tables or counters where you can sit. You could go in, check out the options and decide on your meal, then visit the restroom for your injection before buying your selection. You would then be able to eat right away.

The café in the basement of St. Martins-in-the-Fields (Café in the Crypt) is another option; it is a cafeteria-style place where you go through a line to pick up your food. Very popular, reasonably-priced, and tasty.

Posted by
2585 posts

Just do what you do in the States - Amsterdam and London are hardly cultural backwaters - restaurant staff will likely have encountered this scenario before.

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