Advice for Freshers!
- uontype1diabetes
- Oct 21, 2015
- 3 min read
Congratulations freshers on surviving your first month at university!!
Whether you enjoyed your freshers week by partying out every single night or by relaxing with your new friends, the stress and new environment of university can cause a few ups and downs in your blood sugar.
Especially if you're not used to walking 20 minutes everymorning to get to your lectures all the way across campus!
Now whilst the term is now in full swing I thought it might be useful to give you guys a few tips to help you make living with diabetes in first year a lot easier!
1. Wrap up warm in these winter months!
Whilst this is advice everyone should follow, it's especially important for you to look after yourself and your health, no one likes the stress of having to deal with those hypers when you get ill. So stock up on vitamin C and get yourself a nice warm coat!
2. Flu jab!
On the same note, if you haven't already been reminded by Cripps Health centre, we get our flu jabs for free, so call today and book yours. :D
3. Always carry medical ID
With many students stumbling back onto campus at 2am most mornings, some people may just assume you're another student who has had a bit too much to drink. However we know that these signs of drunkness are infact very similar to the symptoms of low blood sugar. By wearing medical ID a paramedic will be able to identify you as a diabetic and give you the care you need if you ever find yourself in a situation like this.
4. Tell someone!
Similar to the above, make sure someone in your flat/hall knows you're a diabetic. You don't have to go shouting it from the rooftops, and I know it can sometimes feel a little strange within the first few days of meeting someone to mention our needle stabbing habits but now you've settled in a little more, make sure to let some of your friends know, and if you can, explain to them some of the warning signs of high and low blood sugar. Just in case they need to look after you.
5.Boots presciptions in advance .
For those of you who pick up your prescriptions at boots in Cripps Health service, just be aware you can order these over the phone and pick them up at your convenience, boots will even text you when your presciption is ready. It's always best to call in advance, and try to keep yourself well stocked up!
If you don't yet get your prescriptions from Cripps, I highly suggest making yourself an appointment, it's a really easy system and means you can pick up lots of presciptions from right on campus :)
6. Let your sports coach know.
Or equally any leader of societies etc. It's important to let your coaches know, so if you were to have a hypo they can assist you and fully understand what's wrong. Also definitly carry some extra carbs with you to training/practice, as many go over dinner times! :O
7.Carry extra jelly babies,
No one enjoys walking up Portland Hill...ever, it's even worse if you start having a hypo half way up. Carry those extra jelly babies!
8. Exam arrangements
In case you weren't aware type 1 Diabetics can get alternative exam arrangements. Get in contact with the Student Support services or Disability Support officers and set up a meeting. They can help you sort out allowances for exams (such as rest breaks for blood testing/munching on jelly babies) - as well as organising things like medical refrigerators for insulin and discounts for gym membership.
Just make sure you have some kind of evidence (letter from your GP) stating you have diabetes.
(disability-support@nottingham.ac.uk )
9. Nights Out
I'm sure by now you've had enough experience going out to know what works for you and your diabetes,
just a reminder to be safe, carry jelly babies, avoid those sugary mixers- and things like WKDs/VKs :(
And again, make sure someone you're with knows you're a diabetic!
Most of all, make sure you enjoy your first year! Don't let your diabetes stop you doing anything, all clubs and sports are open to anyone!
The most important part is making people aware!
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