Freshman year in college is a big adjustment for most students, but it can be especially challenging for those managing their diabetes while living on campus. The thrill of newly found independence is countered by suddenly having to adapt to classes at odd hours, meals at irregular times along with a multitude of food choices, not to mention increased stress and sporadic sleep. The resources a college offers to help cope with these factors can make a big difference in the quality of life for a young person with diabetes.
Our Research Triangle Area Diabetes Educator (ReTRADE) LNG members recently had the opportunity to learn what one area university, North Carolina State, is doing to improve the college experience for students with diabetes. The Director of Nutrition and Wellness, Lisa Eberhart, RD,LDN,CDE, demonstrated how she (along with her team of dietician interns) have cataloged the nutritional content of all meal items offered at campus dining facilities, and made the information accessible on iPads located onsite at dining halls, as well as via a downloadable app for phone and tablet. The information is kept updated and readily available for students to utilize as needed.
The Pharmacist and the FNP, CDE from Student Health explained how they work with students and their families prior to arrival on campus to ensure that insulin and diabetes related supplies are in place for the student at college. The relationship continues as the health professionals remain available to provide support and services throughout the year for any diabetes related concern.
One of the highlights of the program was hearing from an NCSU freshman student with Type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed about 5 years ago, this young man shared the things that have gotten his college journey with diabetes off to a positive start. He finds the easy accessibility to nutritional information invaluable for meal planning (or non-planning as is often the case in student life). Along with the help of the campus CDE's, he has formed a support group of fellow students with diabetes to share tips and resources. While some in the group have been reluctant to contact the university Disability Services Office, he has found the office to be an ally in promoting his independence and success on campus. Of most benefit to him have been accommodations to allow early class registration to get a manageable "diabetes friendly" schedule, along with the flexibility to temporarily postpone an exam when blood sugars are either seriously elevated or in the hypoglycemic range on exam day.
It was an enlightening evening for the ReTRADE educators in attendance and I think we all walked away with some new information to help prepare any patients about to embark on their own college journey. What might you add to a list of factors a student with diabetes should consider when looking for a college ? Why do you think some students may be reluctant to utilize university Disability Services more and how might this be addressed? Any other thoughts on this topic? ReTRADE educators who were in attendance, please feel free to add anything additional that you may recall from the program.