Type 1: Exam hypo!

[tim2000s]

I think this probably raises a bigger point in relation to university exams and diabetes. Any type 1 needs to go and see their university's disability service and get proper backing for the use of their meter in exams.

It's not really a surprise that a moderator of an exam doesn't know about type 1 (however we might moan about it), however it's a bit more of an issue that the university doesn't have a policy about how type 1s should be able to deal with Hypos and meters during exams, and that's something worth following up.

 

[JamesC1]

I can't say I'm in a similar position, I haven't even taken my GCSEs yet! Maybe try speaking to someone like the head of education and make arrangements. If that doesn't work then look into pulling the disability discrimination card, it's worked every time for me so far.

Best of luck!

 

[beckysalvage]

Tell the head examiner about your diabetes when you go into the exam and then if you feel even a little bit weird ask for a break. I was allowed to then leave the exam hall with an escort, take a blood test and correct my blood sugars and then re-enter the exam with with time taken for the break added at the end of the exam. I was, however allowed my blood tester in the exam with me so it sounds like your exams are stricter than mine. But definitely declare it, and talk to the exams office staff before the exam to see if something can be worked out.
Becky

 

[AmandaD]

when I was in uni I sat in a different room and was allowed my meter, glucotabs and allowed to check my blood sugar if I needed to during the exam. I only got this by telling them I was diabetic. By telling them I was diabetic I was granted extra time for all my exams, hence the separate room should anything have gone awry. Same rights as someone with dyslexia for the exams. Just had to see disability services in the uni.

 

[Spatta5591]

Thank you for the replies everybody! I have declared my diabetes to both the university and my tutor from the very beginning, although the latter seems to think it is all in my head. The test kit is currently not allowed because it is "an electronic device with the capacity for memory or storage", although that is an ongoing project - although I suppose even having it with me wouldn't have stopped the hypo! I have now emailed the most senior person in charge of exams, so if nothing else happens at least the issue has been flagged, again. I won't name and shame the university in question, but their attitude towards diabetes is a bit... well, it doesn't really exist, actually. Then again, we are talking about a BIOCHEMISTRY department where a lecturer stood in front of 200 people and said "the only way you can get diabetes is by being overweight". Sigh.

Honestly, I'm just annoyed because I'm in the process of applying for a Masters course that I'm really excited about doing, but failing this exam would throw that out of the window entirely!

Hey, I have T1 diabetes and have just sat my 3rd year uni exams, I have an LSA in place for safety measures... So if I was to hypo in my exam I would be allowed to check my bg and sort them out as such... It also gives me an added 25% extra time +10minutes for this reason... If you are not happy with your results, you could try applying for extenuating circumstances and resit it, you may have to provide evidence of your hypo which you have in your pic, but you might also need a supporting letter from your diabetes team stating how hypos can effect you. Hope everything goes well! Good luck