Living alone

You probably recenlty left your parent’s home to go to university. Now you are on your own and are responsible for managing your diabetes.

This page gives some basic tips/ideas on how to approach this.

If you are a student, you have new challenges. For you, there are three main challenges to look after:

For anyone with diabetes, this is a key to life. It is not just taking your medication as needed, there is more to it.

Ensure you always have glucose tablets with you, also at night. Especially if you are on your own, you don’t want to run out of it.

Ensure you always have thought about food for the coming 48 hours or so. Plan in advance what you will eat.

Ensure that you do not run out of medication. Have a good plan when you need to get new insulin, needles, test strips, lancets, glucose sensors, etc.

Keep a good diary to ensure you do not miss medical appointments.

Look after your own time. Try to have a good and stable routine. Sleeping in and going out long nights is challenging, if you do that, make sure you are well prepared and make sure those around you know you have diabetes.

Lots of people at university drink alcohol or take drugs for the first time. Be aware of the risks and realise that in this day and age, there are lots of people who do not drink or take drugs. Choose your friends wisely.

Having friends and making new friends is a key part of life at university.

If you don’t know anyone and feel lonely, try to do something where you can meet friends and that is good for your body, such as joining the gym or join a biking or walking group. All universities have lots of societies you can join.

The ultimately reason for being at university is to learn something. Make sure to keep on track. Living a healthy life with exercise and a good daily routing makes it easier to stay on top of your academic work.

Universities will give special support to students with diabetes. For exams, make sure you are allowed to use your phone for your insulin pump or glucose sensor if needed. They need to allow this (if not, ask your GP for evidence).