The world can be pretty ironic – I had a roommate in college with T1. Then 25 years later I was diagnosed with T1. Oh how I wish that I knew then what I know now about diabetes. I watched my roommate struggle and hide her disease. She didn’t explain anything to me, so I was confused by her mood swings (in hindsight I now realize she was not a very compliant diabetic). At least I knew enough to force juice into her when I would find her zoned out and sweating. I had no idea how pervasive the disease was into her entire life. I reflect on how awful she must have felt some days. I suspect she felt isolated, frustrated, and angry a lot of the time. But she never told me anything. The only way I even knew about the juice for the low was by calling the health center when it happened the first time. And even after she returned to a norman BG, she never discussed what happened. In fact, it was like discussion of diabetes was completely taboo. I was a non-diabetic then. I was completely uniformed. If I had known then what I know now – I would have been more compassionate and supportive. I would have been sensitive to her moods rather than frustrated by them. All in all – I would have been a better friend. I urge you to educate those closest to you at college about the disease and what that means about your life and your choices. I suspect many are like I was – just plain clueless. If you let people in to this part of who you are, I think you’ll be amazed at how much support you’ll find. And of course, we are all here too – this is a safe place to find extra support. Communicate your needs – it took me many years to learn that (about things other than diabetes). Remember–you have a whole family here that “gets it” and wants you to get past this bad time with the disease.
