I absolutely love college. Before I started my first year, I didn’t know what to expect in terms of my diabetes management in college. I had only managed my diabetes by myself at summer camps before. Fortunately, diabetes has impacted me far less than I thought it would in college.
In this blog post, I want to share my story and offer advice to people who are also navigating diabetes self-management for the first time. Whether you’re a student or simply someone looking for guidance, I hope my experiences can provide support and hope for a fun college experience.
My main piece of advice for anyone (with or without diabetes) is to find a good group of friends that you genuinely enjoy being around. During my first year, I made many lifelong friends that will support me no matter what.
Regarding diabetes, none of my friends treated me any differently because I had diabetes, and they would always be respectful if I needed to change my pump set or take a break for a second. Sure, they might not have been the most knowledgeable about what diabetes is, but they were open to learning, and they always saw me for my personality rather than my diabetes. So, try to be open with your friends about diabetes, if you feel comfortable.
Diabetes also never stopped me from doing anything I wanted to do. I was still able to party, try out playing drums in the infamous Stanford band, do scavenger hunts through San Francisco, do 24-hour challenges in our dining hall, go to Disneyland, work (at Stanford Pediatric Endocrinology!), and just hang out with friends. I still got the full college experience.
A community of other people with diabetes might be waiting for you at your college. I found several other people with diabetes through Stanford’s chapter of The Diabetes Link, and it was really fun to meet other people with that same life experience. So, I highly suggest checking if your campus has a Diabetes Link chapter (and maybe starting one if you don’t). Also, it’s always fun to say hi to someone you see wearing a CGM or pump!
Even beyond my friend group, professors and administrators were extremely understanding when it came to my diabetes management. One of the first steps I took when I got on campus was seeking testing accommodations. Getting the accommodations I needed was way easier than I thought, and embracing these accommodations allowed me to manage my diabetes effectively without compromising my academic performance. My advice to others would be to reach out to the appropriate department or disability services office and explore the available resources tailored to your specific needs.
My self-management journey at Stanford taught me resilience, self-advocacy, and the importance of building a solid support system. It is absolutely possible to thrive academically, socially, and personally while managing diabetes.
To those who are embarking on their own self-management journey, I encourage you to approach it with determination and positivity. Remember that you are not alone, and seeking support is a sign of strength. With the right tools, resources, and mindset, you can achieve your goals and lead a fulfilling life while managing diabetes.
Good luck, and I believe in you!
