<p>I'm a senior heading off to college this fall and, as I'm sure you already know from the subject, I have type 1 diabetes. Needless to say, I'm freaking the hell out. I'm very concerned about a lot of things concerning my diabetes and college life, but something that bothers me the most is partying. In high school, I've never really went to any huge parties with alcohol or anything of that sort. I really want to have a fun social life in college, and I know that involves partying and drinking. However, as a type 1 diabetic drinking isn't really something that I can do. I know it's possible, and that people with diabetes can do it safely, but I don't know how. So I'm wondering if any college students with the beetus can tell me about their experiences with partying and drinking, how they manage to do it safely, if it's possible to have fun at a drinking party without getting drunk, or just how they handle their health in the college atmosphere in general. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Contact the disabilities office at your choice of school and let them be aware of your condition.</p>
<p>A social life doesn’t always involve partying and drinking. There are plenty of fun things (at my school there is often a bubble party (where they fill an area with a huge bubbly bath type thing)), all of which are non alchoholic…</p>
<p>You can attend parties, carry a diet soda in a cup, and no one will know that it is soda and not a rum and coke or other such drink. You don’t have to be drunk to enjoy a good time, and you will find many peers who also do NOT get drunk, or drink at all. Many people respect their bodies, or have health issues, or are just very mature and smart and realize there is more to life than getting stupid drunk! If you are underage, many schools really come down on underage drinking. If you do drink, can you handle a “low carb” beer - just one, in your hand all evening, if you are worried about wanting to look like a drinker for some weird reason? You could get someone to buy for you, so that you can bring your own low carb drink if that is the case. I would worry more about eating healthy in college - Now, THAT can be very, very difficult day in and day out all week long! Are you responsible about testing, etc, or do you tend to get lazy about it? You may find that the stress of college screws up your numbers for a while. Added walking everywhere can goof up numbers too, if you don’t usually get as much exercise. There’s lots to college that can wreak havoc on blood sugar, and you have to be conscientious about it. What’s the point of getting a college education if you are careless, get sicker because of it, and can’t really pursue the career you dream of, etc, later? Good luck. It’s doable, but can be tough. Partying can be worked out somehow…l</p>
<p>OP, my wife is a type-1 diabetic and graduated college in 2009 (diagnosed since she was a junior or senior in HS). She had an insulin pump by time she got to college. Just curious, do you also have a pump or have plans to get one, or are you using needles?</p>
<p>Despite popular belief, RESPONSIBLE diabetics can have a few drinks and keep their sugars under control. My wife really doesn’t drink often, but sometimes she may have a margarita or two and she makes sure to check her sugar often during that time. DO NOT be like the ‘MTVs True Life: I’m a diabetic’ party guy that drinks a lot. Like mentioned before, you do not actually need to drink to have a good time, but if you find yourself wanting to be part of the crowd and have a drink then do so moderately and watch your numbers like a hawk.</p>
<p>I would highly suggest letting any friends you may be partying with in on your disease. You may think it can be embarrassing and that they may view you some weird way, but if they do then they shouldn’t be considered understanding friends anyway. Good friends who know about your condition will HELP you watch yourself when you are in a drinking environment and will help you stay in control. If they become really good friends, then eventually it may be okay to even show them how to give you insulin in an (heaven forbid) ‘unconscious’ situation. I used to practice on oranges when I met my wife. You may be surprised how much more understanding a college student can be than a HS student when it comes to health issues. Are you starting at the same college as any friends from HS?</p>
<p>Unfortunately, diabetics, especially type-1s must make sacrifices in life to live another day. If this means you do not drink until you drop, then you must accept this realization. You CAN still drink, but I would suggest getting some good friends that will help watch you, and help watch yourself.</p>