University worries

[Molly_Driver98]

As of next year, I will be at University and I was just wondering if any of you have been or are currently at University and can help me with my worries because my HbA1c is usually spot on at the hospital but I don't know about the university, what do they have to do as a university? Also can any of you tell me what happened to you at University? Did you see a pattern in your blood readings or am I just being stupid ?

 

[himtoo]

Hi there Molly
welcome to the forum
I am a bit too old to help personally on this one
i am going to tag a lovely young lady who is at university now so should be able to help
@becky.ford93

all the best

 

[tim2000s]

I was at Uni 20 years ago now, using MDI, and had a ball. What I'd say is that if you are used to looking after yourself already, then University is not terribly different. It's another facet of life that you adjust to. Count carbs, manage alcohol and put yourself first.

Whilst I told the university I was diabetic, there wasn't anything specific that they did, and as long as you are registered with a GP locally (either on Campus, or local to where you live) then supplies won't be an issue.

It's really just another step in being independent from home, and in many ways gives you the opportunity to manage and experiment on yourself in a completely independent way. If you get on with your life, your diabetes will just be a part of it, and it won't be all about your diabetes. There will be plenty of others there with far bigger issues they need to worry about.

 

[buckley8219]

Hi,

The university won't have to do anything, you may be eligible for a fund for a small fridge or something so you can keep your supplies in your own room. Alternatively, pick on up from Tesco's before you go!

Ultimately you're an adult so your diabetes is your responsibility, not the responsibility of the university.

Although, it is best to advise them you are diabetic, along with those you share halls with etc.

When I was at uni I kept my clinics and reviews at my hospital at home and just rearranged appointments so they coincided with the end of term etc.

In terms of getting access to diabetes supplies, I was going home fairly regularly so just kept things as they were. Alternatively you can register with a GP in your uni town and get your repeats set up there.

HbA1c wise, that will only change if your control changes ha.

You'll probably be drinking and partying a bit more, especially during the first year, just follow the golden rules of testing before bed, carbs before sleep etc.

I wouldn't fret about it, attending university didn't change my diabetes at all.

 

[becky.ford93]

Think everyone here has given you some good advise already. Try not to get dragged into binge drinking, there's nothing wrong with not drinking loads and still having a good time. Which uni are you heading to? Personally I intend to keep my care at home now as I'm going into my last year

 

[nmr1991]

I left about a year ago and I liked the independence, although living in halls telling my hall mates or who you might call them that I have diabetes wasn't hard, just tell them while you are introducing yourself or being introduced but I also told them not to worry because I never let my blood glucose go below 3 as to warrant a third party to convene with the necessary procedures. If any of them are a medical student i'm sure they'd understand at some level. Otherwise the above posts have covered the necessary points.