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Diabetes Information for College Students

As an incoming college freshman, it is normal to feel both excited and anxious about the many new experiences and opportunities that await. As a student with diabetes mellitus, there are additional challenges to face with regard to independence and responsibility. The following information will help in planning for this exciting time and make the transition as smooth as possible.

Before coming

Before arriving at the university, consider the following steps.

Supplies

  • Check with current insurance company about how to obtain supplies and insulin. Many pharmacies will mail prescriptions anywhere in the U.S.
  • Gather diabetes supplies, including a blood glucose meter and ample supply of strips, insulin, syringes, ketone strips, and ready glucose supplies. Be sure to bring glucose gel.
  • Obtain a sharps container for use in dorm room as well as to carry in a backpack. Note that the City of Madison, with 21 pharmacies, has a program for the collection of sharps containers. For additional information, contact the City Recycling Coordinator at 267-2626.

Planning

  • Inform diabetes care provider of college plans and dates of departure. Ask for copies of diabetes records to take to school, and ask for a referral to a diabetes care provider on campus.
  • Make sure that coverage under current insurance carrier will remain. If not, consider buying insurance. The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) offered at University Health Services (UHS) provides pre-existing condition benefits to HIPAA-eligible students. The SHIP International Plan also includes a $1,000 pre-existing condition benefit for all international enrollees. For further information, refer to the SHIP policy, or contact the SHIP office at (608) 265-5232.
  • Review the current personal insulin plan, keeping in mind that college schedules are often less predictable. If not already on one, consider a more flexible plan (such as glargine with humalog) or using an insulin pump.
  • Have a “sick day” plan worked out and assemble a medicine kit. Don’t forget ketone strips, thermo-meter, approved over-the-counter medicines, and nonperishable food items such as flavored gelatin, soda crackers, broth-based soups, and fruit juice.
  • If applying for financial aid, remember to list expenses associated with diabetes care on the application: they may be substantial.

Upon arrival

After arriving on campus, set up a support network and begin planning a balanced diet.

Building a support network

  • Inform roommate and residence hall advisor about the diabetes. Answer questions (hopefully dispelling any misconceptions), and explain plans to participate fully in the college experience. Discuss the dangers of hypoglycemia and ask for volunteers to call for medical help if there is an emergency. Also, ask someone to administer glucose gel in these conditions.
  • Connect with the McBurney Disability Resource Center by calling (608) 263-2741, or seek more information at www.mcburney.wisc.edu. Two federal laws require consideration for students with diabetes, but the interpretation of the law is somewhat subjective. The disability center may act on behalf of a diabetic student in rescheduling a test date or due date on an assignment if the diabetes interferes with completion of the task at the scheduled time.
  • Schedule an introductory appointment at UHS to establish a relationship with a health care provider who can help manage diabetes care. Arrange to have routine labs checked when needed (e.g., hemoglobin A1c every three months).

Dietary precautions

  • Ensure that there are sources of carbohydrate available in dorm room and backpack for hypoglycemic episodes. Raisins, hard candy, or glucose tablets will work.
  • Take a trip to the cafeteria at which most meals will be eaten. Make sure the food selection includes reasonable choices that are compatible with a diabetic meal plan. If nutritional information (including grams of carbohydrate per serving) is not already posted in the cafeteria, encourage the staff to offer this.

Other items to consider

  • Before choosing to drink alcohol, be aware of its variable effects on the blood glucose level. For many people, beer acts just like any other carbohydrate source, elevating the blood glucose level. On the other hand, hard liquor (e.g., gin, vodka) may decrease the blood glucose level. Alcohol may impair one’s ability to detect a hypoglycemic episode in oneself. Also, others may misinterpret the unarousability secondary to hypoglycemia as drunkenness, thus potentially delaying appropriate treatment.
  • Establish a regular exercise program. Remember to have a source of glucose readily available in case hypoglycemia occurs during exercise.
  • Get a yearly influenza vaccine in the fall; consider the chicken pox vaccine as well if the vaccine has not been received in the past or if one has not already had the disease.
  • Consider purchasing an insulin pen for convenience. These are easy to carry around, and they eliminate the need to find a sharps disposable container when administering insulin “on the go.”
  • Be sure always to carry some sort of medical identification. If a student with diabetes is ill or unable to communicate, it is important for rescue persons such as police, emergency medical technicians, and health care providers to know about the diabetes. Medical alert devices include necklaces, bracelets, and, at the least, an identification card.
  • If planning to drive a vehicle, check blood glucose before getting behind the wheel. Stop and check blood sugar hourly during the trip and when experiencing any symptoms of hypoglycemia. Have a ready source of glucose in the glove compartment so it is available if needed.
  • Sexual activity can affect the blood glucose level. For most, it lowers blood glucose. Once again, make sure a ready source of glucose is available if needed.

[HU468 : updated 08/06]