College life and type 1 diabetes: What to know
July 15, 2024—The college years are a time to advance your education, meet new people and broaden your horizons. But if you have type 1 diabetes, heading off to college comes with challenges too.
If you're like many teens with type 1 diabetes, college may be the first time you're managing your condition on your own—with no parents nearby to help.
But with some organization and planning, you'll be able to manage your blood sugar levels and be better prepared to enjoy college life. These simple steps, based on advice from Breakthrough T1D, can help you prepare.
Before leaving home
Visit your doctor. They can advise you on watching your carbohydrate intake and adjusting your insulin for meals and exercise.
Find a pharmacy near campus. It's better to find one now, before you're distracted by the excitement and stress of moving into a dorm. Be sure you understand how to get your prescriptions filled.
Change your mailing address. If you plan on having an insulin pump, continuous glucose monitor or other diabetes supplies shipped to you, be sure the vendor has the correct address.
Create an information file for your dorm room. This file should contain:
- Basic information about how to treat high and low blood sugar, including how to use glucagon for dangerously low blood sugar.
- Emergency contact information.
- Your pharmacy's phone number.
- Your prescription information.
Get a medical ID. This will let everyone know you have type 1 diabetes. Always wear your medical ID.
Ask for accommodations, if you need them. If you'll need special accommodations, such as a dorm room with a private bathroom or near the cafeteria, reach out to your school ahead of time.
On campus
Your schedule will fill up quickly once you arrive on campus. Taking time now to put your health at the top of the list will help you manage your diabetes better.
Set up a supply station. Your dorm room diabetes supplies might include glucagon, a glucose meter, blood sugar testing supplies, snacks for low blood sugar, insulin and syringes. It's best to keep these supplies in a mini fridge.
Tell people you have type 1 diabetes. This includes your roommates and residential advisor (RA). Let them know where you keep your diabetes information file and what they should do in an emergency.
Visit the student health center. Learn what healthcare options are available to you, especially in case of an emergency.
Plan ahead. Keep plenty of supplies on hand for times when you know you're going to be busy, like during finals or flu season. Know where to go to replenish your essentials. Carry snacks with you at all times—and tell your roommates the snacks are off-limits.
Settle in. The college years are a time to explore new foods, make new friends and try new things. But if you have diabetes, sticking to a healthy routine can help you manage your condition. Make eating well, exercising and getting plenty of sleep a priority. And know how you'll handle disruptions like sick days.
Sources
- Breakthrough T1D. "A Quick-Start Guide to Living Independently With Type 1 Diabetes." https://www.breakthrought1d.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/JDRF_Living_Independently_with_T1D.pdf.
- Breakthrough T1D. "Going to College With Type 1 Diabetes." https://www.breakthrought1d.org/news-and-updates/college-with-type-1-diabetes.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "How to Make the Leap From Type 1 Teen to Adult." https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/type-1-teen-adult.html.
- T1D Exchange. "Tips: Preparing for College Life With Type 1 Diabetes." https://t1dexchange.org/college-tips-with-t1d.