How Do I Manage my T1D as a Senior in College?
Hello!! Welcome to my first blog about managing t1d as a senior in college! So, if you have read my “about me”, you know I have been a diabetic for about 10 years. I will do my best to help you guys out but do know management is largely dependent on lifestyle.
As a senior in college, you hit many highs and lows, whether diabetically speaking or not. When I have my really good weeks when managing my sugars, I notice I am on top of things. I have my alerts set at 80 for lows and 220 for highs (yes, I know over 180 is technically toxic, but I am pretty sure I am a brittle diabetic). I always have snacks on me, hopefully one day I can get sponsored by Juicy Juice, since I feel like I am most of their revenue stream. My mom always encourages me to have protein when I am low so I can “level out”. I mean, moms are almost always right. Oh, and ALWAYS, if not low, do insulin BEFORE you eat. This saves you from a roller coaster later.
Activity Throughout my Days
I have a doggie, so when I get up and my blood sugar shoots up, I take her for a walk which helps it not spike further. With being a senior, stress is inevitable, so I do my best to watch for those stress spikes and take breaks to walk or play basketball. Speaking of being active, if I know that I will play basketball or another intense workout, then I do less Lantus (Long-acting insulin), so I will not have a long night of lows following my day.
Now, if I were to go out with my friends to say go line-dancing. I always make sure to have my small bag with juice boxes/snacks in case I go low. And of course, my insulin. I did see a hack to put your insulin and supplies in your boots! I think I will try it out next time I go line-dancing!
At night, I make sure to have my ringer on as well as alarms set, so I am able to wake up before going too low or stay high for too long. I have juices and snacks on my nightstand along with my diabetes bag, so I do not need to get up and walk to the kitchen. Did you know that sleep affects insulin sensitivity more than you would think?
Life After College?
As I am getting ready to graduate in May, I will have to transition into a full-time job, which will introduce an entire new schedule that I am used to. My plan for this is to probably go onto an insulin pump, this will help me not having to juggle more supplies. Luckly, I get to stay in the same city I am currently in, so no new endo or doctors. Most people can stay on your parents insurance until you are 26! THANK YOU JESUS.
As many of you know, Diabetes burnout is SOOOO real. I mean, I felt it this morning. I woke up high and felt sick, it said it felt like 7 degrees outside, which if you are a real one, you know. So, know we all have our off days, our tired days, and our I do not want to do anything days. But we all are in this together.
So…how do I manage my T1D as a senior in college?
- Give myself some grace.
- Be active a bit through the day.
- Bolus BEFORE I eat. (I struggle with this be so so fr)
- Still have fun, but make sure that I have my juicy juice.
If you liked this blog, I am sure you would enjoy checking out any of my social media platforms! You can find them at the top of my page! Thank you guys!
Peace
Gracie 🙂
