How did you get through High School with Type 1 Diabetes?
What was the greatest advice you ever received?
What was the worst part of having diabetes in High School?
I sort of cheated in that I was DX'ed in high school, like late winter junior year maybe? I was already sort of "going" and was so relieved to get things fixed that I didn't think "eeek, ghastly chronic disease." Then I went to college and did wild rock and roll partying (ok, I made the deans' list too...) that also was sort of like "I'm having fun, I'm not going to let this get in the way."
I think the greatest advice I received was when my friend suggested I sign up for her Tae Kwon Do class, in like 2004. I've kept working out ever since then and feel much more together. It also helps motivate me to keep things in line BG wise, because I have stuff to do! I *really* wish I'd done more of that when I was younger as I'm certain I'd be in a lot better shape if I had started when I was 20 instead of when I was 37. Not just martial arts but any sort of exercise thing. To do something.
I don't really have a "worst part." I almost got jostled out of Driver's Ed, which I was signed up for when I was Dx'ed and I missed the first class and the teacher was going to kick me out but my mom went to bat for me and I got to stay in.
High school was a blur. A few things I remember. Hiding my diabetes...to an extent. People knew I had it, but I didn't like talking about it or making like it was normal. I was often forgetful. Once my mom had to bring me my full syringe...and even though I met her in the hallway and no one was around, I was mortified when she waved the thing above her head with that look mothers get. I'm sure I do it with my kids now. LOL :D It's the what-the-heck-are-you-thinking look. And I would often leave my supplies behind and miss out on events that happened spontaneously...but I'd need to return home and my parents wouldn't drive me back, or maybe I knew it was asking too much. who knows? I don't remember.
I did not have any diabetes friends, did not get involved with any D groups, no camps, no support groups. My advice ex post facto is to get connected. Don't be afraid of it. And all that good stuff. Live it, don't fight it.
How I got through High School won't be of any value to you but.....
Back then(and NO it wasn't in the 19th century), I only took a shot in the morning at home and one in the evening. I also wasn't allowed to take my testing equipment(tube, Clinitest tablets, dropper and stand) to school, so most of the time I was really unsure what my sugars were. Except when I was pretty high, I'd usually, feel nausea, get a headache,and feel tired. I do not remember having a seizure but I do know I'd fall asleep in class occasionally cuz I was really tired, felt shakey and weak. Most of the time I felt okay.
Otherwise, I enjoyed High School. I was in Track and Field, Gymnastics, Yoga, liked volleyball, and the field trips where I was allowed to take my syringes and Insulin. I was in the Singers Group, so we travelled to different Schools, to sing in the many Competitions.
Sometimes at our school, I'd hide in my locker just to get away from everyone and out to the treed grassy areas to enjoy nature.
My Friends and I had lots of Fun times in between classes and after school. I started dating in Grade 11 and met my now Hubby near the end of Grade 12 at age 17. I majored in the Arts and English. I graduated and went off to College in the big city. Exciting times. I was a pretty typical Teenager in High School.
There were only 2 other Diabetics at school. One was a Friends' older Bro who died a couple of years after graduating and my Friend. We didn't talk about Diabetes. So no advice about Diabetes going on there.
It used to make me mad sometimes when I could feel myself going low during Gym class. So I had to sit out 'til I felt better.
First off, I was in high school in the 1960s/70s. A lot of changes: Drugs, War and Rock and Roll. It was a very different time.
I had none of the equipment now avialable--glucose testing was very new and we used TesTape, Clini Tabs (also stupid) which were totally useless.
I honestly had no idea what to do. I sort of followed ARs route, oh, and graduated with honors from HS and college. (AND grad school at 53!!!)Lots of parties,and good friends I still have.I do think that having diabetes makes you smarter: more inquisitive, more ready to try new ideas, and smarter!
It was hard though, because there was no way to really know how you were doing. I think I was just lucky.
Worst part of high school was going out with friends after practice, or to a Prom, etc. There was nothing I could drink (until I discovered other option in college)--no diet drinks in any restaurant.
Hormones were a huge factor for me. From 13-23, I had ups and downs and I knew that was the reason. Can't control that.
But I have to say that high school was fun. I was so non participatory in the drugs and alchohol that I got to sit back and watch and learn.
But, then came college...