College is a massive transition for any student. For students with Type 1 Diabetes, it comes with an extra layer of complexity: managing a chronic illness independently, in a new environment, often for the very first time.
The good news: thousands of students with T1D not only survive college, they thrive in it. Here is what you need to know before you go.
Before You Arrive: The Paperwork
College campuses are required by law to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, including chronic illnesses like T1D. Before your first day, connect with your university’s disability services office to establish accommodations such as:
- Permission to keep food and glucose tablets in class
- Extended time on exams to accommodate blood sugar checks and corrections
- A mini-fridge in your dorm room for insulin storage
- Flexible attendance policies for diabetes-related medical appointments or emergencies
- Priority registration to avoid scheduling conflicts with medical appointments
Managing Blood Sugar in the Dining Hall
- Talk to dining services before the semester. Most universities will provide carb count information for menu items on request.
- Identify your go-to lower-carb options for days when your blood sugar is already running high
- Keep snacks in your room for lows, because late-night dining hall hours are not always reliable
- Do not let social pressure override your medical needs. A real friend will understand why you need to check your CGM before eating.
Alcohol and T1D: The Real Talk
- Alcohol can cause serious delayed low blood sugar that occurs hours after drinking, including while you sleep
- Always eat before or while drinking. Never drink on an empty stomach.
- Tell trusted friends about your T1D and what to do in an emergency
- Wear your medical ID at all times
- Set a CGM alarm before you sleep after drinking
Telling Your Roommate
You do not have to tell everyone about your T1D. But you should tell your roommate. Show them where you keep your emergency glucose. Walk them through what low blood sugar looks like and what to do. Make it a five-minute conversation, not a big deal.
Find Your People
Managing T1D in college is significantly easier when you are not doing it alone. KFD has campus chapters at universities across the country, communities of students who get it because they are living it too.
Visit koppfoundation.org/get-involved to find your chapter or start one.
