Diabetes at College

Being four hours away from home and most importantly my biggest support, my parents, college has definitely been a huge change for me. Even though it may seem that you are taking care of diabetes on your own, you still have a huge support group no matter where you travel.

When I headed into my first year of college I was definitely scared of taking care of myself with Type 1 Diabetes. Being four hours from home, this meant that I would be in full responsibility of this chronic illness, which can be scary. But what I want to share with you, is that even though you may be so far from where you are comfortable, you still have the same support as you would back at home.

At college, I am still in close contact with my parents. I have a Continuous Glucose Monitor which allows my them to monitor where my blood sugar is at all times. This has been very helpful because in times when I am not aware, or in most situations when I am asleep, I get a call from them making sure I am okay. In the middle of the night when my blood sugar does go out of range, my parents have the ability to text, call, or even play a loud signal from "Find my IPhone" that can wake me up so I can correct my numbers. Their support, from even four hours away, has definitely helped me out during my time away.

Additionally, I have been able to find many other outlets of support in college. My close friends and roommates, have been very understanding of diabetes and what it means to me. I have explained every aspect of it to them, so they feel comfortable in any situation I may endure. What I have also found super helpful at school, is that one of my good friends and teammate has a friend from home that has T1D. This has allowed me to have someone who fully understand what living with diabetes means, and she has been able to help me out whenever I am in need.

Being at college, you could go out, and even sometimes off campus. For me, I always make sure I bring my tester, insulin, and a form of glucose because in case my numbers go out of range, I want to be able to correct it. At first, I was nervous to ask my upperclassmen teammates for assistance in these times, but what I learned is that they are always willing to help. If I ever go low, when I am away from my dorm room and out of the necessary supplies, my friends who live in the area often have extra juice or any form of carbohydrates to give me to make sure I am okay. I remember one night specifically where I went low when I was at a senior on my teams house, and I was dropping at 60. I remember sitting in a room with at least eight other teammates offering me juice, candy, and any form of food. To be honest, in the moment I was very overwhelmed, but looking back I am so appreciative that I have such a kind and caring support group to help me out when I am in need. What I want to share with others is that even though college may be a new environment for you, you will have a supportive group there for you.

Just like back home, people want to be able to understand you and what you go through every day. As I mentioned in my blog Talking About Diabetes, I explained to my roommates and close friends exactly what to do in situations that I may not have full control of. I have told them where my glucagon pen is, and how to use it. This has not only made me more comfortable at college, but also them. My parents were definitely concerned with the fact that they could not be directly there to help me, so I have given them the numbers of many of my friends in the situation that I am not available. I recommend doing this because it only adds to the support group you will have at college.

You are not alone at college, you do not only have your support group, but there are many other people on campus with diabetes. At my school we even have a diabetes club that I am a part of. This club does not only have diabetics, but other students and friends who joined to gain a better understanding for T1D. It is super cool to know there are other students here that are experiencing what I am, and again this just adds to your support group away from home.

College may be a whole new lifestyle, and definitely for diabetics as you hold a much greater responsibility with your health. But what I want to share is that even though you may be so far from home and where you are comfortable, you will find your place and group of people who will support and help you just as much as the community you had at home.