Diabetes at Univeristy

[PrincessPea21]

I have been T1 for a while, all through school with little trouble, but have found university to be very stressing on my diabetes. I've developed anxiety surrounding my levels and injecting as well as anxiety about commuting to university (what if i have a hypo etc), and when i speak to someone at University about it they don't really know what to do in relation to diabetes in general. My attendance has gone through the floor and I am now having to meet with senior staff, who are moving towards not allowing me to continue at university because of poor attendance. Ive been signed off work sick with stress and anxiety and am struggle with motivation. I just don't really know what to do anymore, i want my degree but not at the cost of my mental and physical health.

 

[Carlos]

Hi @PrincessPea21, sorry to hear about your situation.

From what you say it sounds like you are working and studying at the same time, which is hard. One thing that would be worth doing, if it is still possible, is to approach the University to see what they can do to help. They may be able work some special accomodation for your situation. Also, check with the student union, they should be able to point you to counseling services to help you deal with your anxiety

 

[SB2015]

I have been T1 for a while, all through school with little trouble, but have found university to be very stressing on my diabetes. I've developed anxiety surrounding my levels and injecting as well as anxiety about commuting to university (what if i have a hypo etc), and when i speak to someone at University about it they don't really know what to do in relation to diabetes in general. My attendance has gone through the floor and I am now having to meet with senior staff, who are moving towards not allowing me to continue at university because of poor attendance. Ive been signed off work sick with stress and anxiety and am struggle with motivation. I just don't really know what to do anymore, i want my degree but not at the cost of my mental and physical health.

Hi PrincessPea
Sorry to hear that you are finding the adjustment to uni difficult.
It is understandable to be more worried about levels when you are in such a new situation and with people that you do not know. You mention that you have a meeting coming up with the staff, it would be good to go to that with a clear idea of what it is that are triggering your concerns. If you are very concerned about the meeting can you take someone along with you? If you talk to them before the meeting you could write down some questions and also points that you want to make, and they could make notes during the meeting as well as prompting you if there are any things that you forget to ask.

Have you changed your care team at the same time as stating uni? Have you discussed the difficulties you are having with them. You won’t be the first to find this transition to be a big step. As @Benny G said you are now doing the planning for your studies yourself, and if you are working alongside that as well it is a big change. BUT if you can get the support you need it will be worth it.

Who did you try to talk to at the uni? Are you aware of any others at Uni who are managing with T1? The support services may have access to some who would be willing to get in touch with you and discuss practicalities around your course.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear you are having a tough time @PrincessPea21 - hope you can get some good support to help you through your uni experience.

Have you come across the JFRF resources? They have published a University Toolkit you might find helpful which is linked and reviewed here: https://www.t1resources.uk/resources/item/jdrf-university-toolkit/

There are other resources you might find helpful listed on www.t1resources.uk too (search for ‘university’) including blog posts by people who have been through what you are going through.