How to Survive Type 1 Diabetes

Taking Type 1 Diabetes to School

I think my most embarrassing moment since I got diabetes was when I went to school for the first time since. I missed a few days of school before because I was in the hospital but my mom emailed them about everything. I came in late the next Monday and I didn't know anything. I didn't know what my mom told all my teachers or if the teachers would call me out and say something stupid like, "So Sue I heard you have diabetes. That's just too bad ya know," and everyone would laugh and I would get all this unwanted attention. As if my mind wasn't already racing enough, when I walked into first block, everybody looked at me like I had two heads. Then the worst case scenario popped into my head. What if she already told everyone about it and to do things like be extra kind to her? I froze, then ran to my seat and they continued on with their lesson on Shakespeare's Ricard III. I couldn't bear to not know what was going on so I leaned over to the boy next to me and asked him if the teacher said anything about me to everyone. He said no and I sighed in relief. Then he blurted out a dreadful, "Why should she?" My heart stopped and I couldn't think of an excuse so the truth slipped out between my lips and I was horrified. The kid looked at me and said, "Why do girls always want attention," and went back to his notes on act five scene four.

The rest of that day, I was so scared to ask the teachers for things. Luckily, I have two other friends in my grade who have type one diabetes. I know not everyone knows someone else with diabetes, I guess it was just sort of lucky. Anyway, I found a few ways to survive school and type one diabetes. First off, your parents, the school nurse, and all your teachers should have a meeting to make a thing called a 504 plan. A 504 plan is where you make adjustments to fit your needs such as being able to use the bathroom and go to the nurse whenever you need to. Next, if anyone asks you anything about your diabetes, be honest, tell them the answer. Unless you don't know it. Another trick to get them to leave you alone and not make a big deal about anything is to say it in a happy tone. It gives them the idea that diabetes isn't that bad and it's nothing to make a big deal about and they are less likely to bring it up again.

Don't be afraid to ask to go to the nurse. It is normal and it just might save you from more embarrassment. Would you rather go to the nurse for a few minutes or pass out in the middle of class. Chances are, you'd rather go to the nurse for a little. Also, nobody is watching you as much as you think they do, so most likely they won't notice if you go to the nurse. So NEVER hesitate to go to the nurse even if you only have the slightest of symptoms. It can't hurt you right?