I got diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last year. Whilst I lay there with the doctor talking to me about it, I was scared about going back to school. What might my friends think? Will they be horrible? Take the mick? Even bully me?
The next couple of days I spent at home, but then it finally came; the day to go school. I was scared; very scared, but as soon as I walked through them gates, people were nice, smiling at me, asking if I was ok and showing support. Having support is a big part of diabetes.
The best thing was that no one acted as if I was an alien, which was what I wanted. I mean, who wants to be treated as an alien? Haha.
All my teachers know about my diabetes now and if I have a hypo in lesson, they always know what to do. Carrying a simple chocolate bar helps me a lot really. I go to the toilets just before I eat my dinner and I always take a friend with me too. You may be scared that they would take the mick out of you, but no they don't. They're your friends remember. They don't do that!
Diabetes can be hard
Living with diabetes is really hard, I'll admit to that, but it doesn't ruin your life. Control your diabetes, don't let it control you. I know I am not one to talk, as my blood sugars are often very high :/ but at the moment I'm trying to change that and keep them consistently normal.
It's not too late to change your life for the best, so go on. Eat healthy, get active and enjoy your life the way you should. Sometimes talking to people with diabetes can help.
I'm only 13 and reading stories on the internet really helps me, so give it a go. Thank you for reading this and rememeber you're not alone out there. There's thousands of people with diabetes. x
Your comments
I was also in the same position as you. When I went back to school I was thinking "omg what are my friends going to think, are they still going to like me?", but once I had told them all about it they were fine and they are always there for support if I need it. If i am feeling low they all know what to do. All my teachers knew what to do and they didn't make it obvious and treated me different - it was just like normal. :) I also take a friend to the bathroom as well. xx
I'm also only 13 and to be honest you can not let diabetes take over your life. :)
Reading this story is really good for me because I now know that there are people the same age out there wiv diabetes. :) Thank you xxx
- Keisha
Hello, I was wondering - when did you find out you had it and what were your symptoms? - because I am comparing people's. Thank you.- Amelia
Hey Sophie, I've got diabetes but I've only had it for a short while. I'm only 12 but I was wondering will boys still want to go out with me even though I have got diabetes?- Emily
I'm 14 and I just found out I was Type 1 diabetic about one month ago! This is the first time I've looked at this website and I just can't believe how many teenagers have it and are completely normal! :P
I was also really nervous about going back to school, but my friends were so supportive, they came to visit me in hospital and they even called themselves 'Diabetes Team!' as they said they were my body guards if anything went wrong! I found this pretty funny and really touching, so my advice to people is to gather up your courage and tell your friends! Because after all, they are your friends and they will want to help and support you.- Katy
Hiya , my name is Zoe. I'm 13. I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in September 2008 so I am still quite new also!- Zoe
Hi, my name's Matthew and I'm 15. I was diagnosed with Type 1 in September 2008, so I'm still quite new!
I know exactly how you felt, Sophie. That's how I felt when I had to go back to school!
Does anyone have any tips for coping with work, friends and diabetes at the same time?- Matthew