Saturday 25 March 2017

Growing With T1D

I guess there is one thing we can all agree on...diabetes is not easy! it takes effort, planning and a whole lot of time to manage it. However, with ever age group diabetes presents you with a set of unique challenges and obstacles. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when growing with type 1 diabetes: 

Driving
Driving gives you your freedom and gives you a sense of growing up. However, for people with diabetes, it is very important to learn about safe driving while managing your diabetes. Firstly know the rules and regulations for driving in your province or country. In Canada, it is a must to drive with a blood sugar level above 5mmol/l (94mg/dl). Ensure that your car is always stocked up with low supplies in case you have to pull over to treat a low. Depending on the temperature keeping a backup meter in the car can be handy. I'm sure we've all left our meters accidentally at home every now and then. Lastly, make sure to wear or have on you some form of medical identification and emergency contact number.

Moving Out/Dorm Life/University
Who's not excited to leave high school and move onto university? Whether or not you are moving out or staying at home, here are a few things to keep in mind before starting university. Make sure to set up exam accommodations to suit your needs and diabetes. Whether that is extra time, unlimited breaks or stopping the clock when needing to deal with bgls. Despite some classes being large in university it is still important to inform your professors about your diabetes in case you need assistance at some point during the lecture. Lastly, know what's around you and where to access the medications you need in case you forget spares or run out. Let me give you an example...about a week ago I was about to devour in a delicious bowl of quinoa salad when my pump gave me no delivery. I was stuck at university for another 5 hours and without insulin, I was sure to end up with ketones. Knowing where the pharmacy is located at my university I managed to go buy some syringes and extract the insulin from my pump and give an insulin injection to keep me going for the next 5 hours. Of course, its a great idea to keep spares on you but we all forget to refill our stock of spares so having a backup plan is a good idea.
If you are living in dorms, let your roommates know you're a diabetic and how they can help if need be. Make sure to stock up on low supplies and food to have on hand for when the cafe closes. Lastly set up a meal plan and ask if they have nutrition information such as the carb count for the foods they offer.

Transitioning
Depending on where you live this might or might not apply to you. At age 18 your pediatric diabetes team prepares you to transition to adult care. This can be a different experience for everyone however, a few things that you should keep in mind. Unlike at children's hospital, you are required to have your blood work done prior to your diabetes appointment. This can be done either at a blood work lab or at the hospital. Your endocrinologist is separated from your dietician and nurse. This means you will need to book two appointments...one every 3 months to meet your dietician and nurse and another appointment every 6-8 months to meet your endocrinologist. Another point to keep in mind is that it is very important to have a supportive and good communication between you and you diabetes team! That means you have the right to switch between endos/nurses/dieticians till you find the right ones for you. Lastly, because you're an adult and have to transition to adult care now doesn't mean you have to attend your appointments alone. Remember that you can always take a friend or family member with you to your appointments. 

Alcohol
Once again this might apply to some and just like driving, if you decide to have alcohol it is important that you are knowledgeable of the effects it might have on your blood sugar. It is very important to be aware that with alcohol in your system your liver is busy processing the alcohol that glucagon will not take effect if required due to a severe low. Make sure to have low treatment and medical identification when out at parties or with friends. Alcohol can cause unexpected changes in your blood sugar so ensure to check before heading to bed and possibly setting alarms to check through the night. After all...better safe than sorry!

Support
Just because you're older doesn't mean you've suddenly managed to get your diabetes under control. We all go through rough times with our diabetes at different stages of our lives AND THAT'S OKAY! It happens to us all...in fact, my first real burnout was early November. What is important when going through a rough time is knowing where to turn for help and assistance. Reaching out to other diabetics through social media is a very nice tool that can help out as they are the people who truly understand you since they have most likely been through it. Other resources are your diabetes team...remember they are always there to help out anytime you need them. At most diabetes clinics there is a social worker or a psychologist that you can book an appointment to see. Lastly, if you are in university visit student services and ask to connect with a social worker or psychologist...those services are there for you, so take advantage of them.  

Travelling
The last topic I wanted to mention is traveling. As you become more independent you will start to venture out on your own. When traveling it is very important to be organized. As you prepare for your trip search up pharmacies and supermarkets near your hotel in case you need to fill up on food or medical supplies. If you require a travel pump (spare pump) make sure to order that 2 weeks prior to you travel date. Carry all supplies with you in your carry-on bag in case you lose your luggage. Oh and don't forget to double up on supplies...more is better than less. Don't forget to change your medical devices ... pumps, sensors, and meters to your destination's time zone once you've landed. Lastly, carry or wear any form of medical identification.

Join our conversation on social media using the hashtag #growingwithT1D to share or learn about the journey of growing with T1D


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