Hamda is one of our Together Type 1 Young Leaders. She is studying Law at university and has some advice to share with anyone living with type 1 diabetes who is heading into further education.
Living with type 1 diabetes is something I’ve grown used to managing over the years.
I was diagnosed when I was 10 years old, so managing blood sugar levels and counting carbs has become engrained in my everyday life.
But heading off to university brought a new set of challenges I hadn’t anticipated.
Making time for my type 1
University life is fast paced, unpredictable and chaotic, but commuting adds an extra layer of planning to an already busy day.
Catching an early train and bus is hard for any night owl, but for someone like me, who’s not the most organised person, it felt nearly impossible at first.
The first few days of commuting were messy, consisting of me missing breakfast, forgetting to pack lunch and running to the station. Unsurprisingly, this led to constant low blood sugar levels during my travel.
I felt frustrated at first, torn between prioritising sleep and meals.
After discussions with my doctor on managing diabetes with my new schedule, it was easier to align it to my daily routine. I started planning the night before by packing snacks and setting alarms (and backup alarms). Soon, this lifestyle became familiar to me, and my activities began to all fall into place.
Commuting soon became the best part of my day. It’s a pocket of time where I can read, listen to music, or take a breath. It’s no longer a daily stressor, but a moment for me to maintain my blood sugar levels during term time.
Finding the right approach to exams
As a procrastinator, I’ve had a bad habit of leaving most deadlines to the last minute. This did give me an occasional thrill but would also cause unnecessary stress which would affect the quality of my work and health.
After the overwhelming exam period during A- Levels, I decided to change the patterns that were holding me back.
With my coursework, I began tackling them weeks in advance. It felt foreign to me at first, but the payoff was much greater than before. I was far less anxious and more confident in my work, which helped me manage my diabetes better.
I had a few online exams later in the year, which was much easier to deal with a structured routine.
I kept my study space tidy and had consistent mealtimes. I was much more in control than before, and my blood sugar levels were stable. For the first time, I felt like I was managing the exam period quite well rather than barely surviving.
Of course, I faced the occasional challenge and went back to my old habits, but I was extremely proud of my achievements.
The social side of uni life
I’ve always considered myself an extroverted person who enjoys meeting new people and being part of a social circle. But university was slightly daunting for me, as it was a much bigger circle than I was used to.
Thankfully, I found my footing socially. I connected with fellow commuters early on, which made a huge difference. I was additionally lucky enough to find other students with type 1 diabetes.
I felt understood by my new friends who could relate to both commuting and diabetes. We could share food and compare stories, which really helped me bond with everyone. I was happy to find this circle.
My first year at university with diabetes was an interesting experience, full of challenges and growth. I found the importance of balance and planning and had started to enjoy things I would usually dislike.
Most importantly, I found the value of community, making friends who understood the struggles of managing with diabetes and building strong connections. With the right mindset and support, university can be enjoyable.
Learn more about our Together Type 1 programme.
