[collegediabetes]

It is no secret that adjusting to college life is a great challenge for many young adults. For me, having both type one diabetes and college athletics incorporated into my daily routine makes some days more difficult than others. Having just wrapped up my first year of school away from home, I have learned a lot when it comes to balancing school, sports, and type one diabetes. Some of the biggest takeaways from my freshman year experience include the importance of preparation, openness with my teammates, and being able to learn from my mistakes.

[collegediabetes]

A warm welcome to one of two CDN Summer Interns, Rafael! Rafael is a Harvard student studying bioengineering with a minor in economics on the pre-med track. Check out his blog to read more about him!

[collegediabetes]

How does my voice count? I’m one person out of everyone in America. There’s no way my voice will be heard. Lies. This was my mindset before attending The Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC) Training Meeting a few weeks ago. I quickly learned during this time that I had the opportunity to make my voice so LOUD that people only have the option to hear me. This isn’t done by yelling or being in people's faces... this is done by simply telling my story.

​Kacey recently attended the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition Training Meeting where she says she found her voice as an advocate in the diabetes community. Read her blog here!

[collegediabetes]

When insulin dependent diabetics have an eating disorder, it can be more fatal and detrimental than for those who do not have diabetes. This is not to diminish others’ experiences with eating disorders, but it is especially true when considering eating disorders focusing on the use of insulin or lack thereof to manipulate one's weight.

[collegediabetes]

Editor's note: Kacey led the charge in planning and hosting the first CDN annual retreat in Texas: a weekend of learning, networking, and gaining leadership skills. Read on for the process of planning and everything that happened at the retreat!

[collegediabetes]

In my last year of pharmacy school at Purdue University, I was fortunate enough to travel to Kenya for a 2-month rotation where I worked in the country’s referral hospital. I was ecstatic to learn and grow as a clinician with this experience; however, I was a bit worried about managing diabetes in an underdeveloped country. As I was preparing to depart for Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), I began to stockpile as many supplies as I could fit in my suitcase.

Have you ever thought about volunteering in a developing country but wondered how you'd manage your diabetes there? Katie just got back from Kenya and told us about her awesome experiences with the T1D population there while managing T1D herself.

[collegediabetes]

College is essentially the survival of the fittest. Some enter with AP credits that allow them to forego some of the courses that weed out others. Some enter on scholarships for merit, athletics, or diversity while others are on government or private loans. Some enter without diabetes, and then there are those of us that do.

Transitioning to college can be tough when everyone in high school knew about your diabetes - from the school nurse to classmates. Mykel talks about being open about taking care of your T1D in college.

[collegediabetes]

Connect with people who get it and gain a support network like no other. When you become a CDN member, you not only gain friends and access to our programs, but you get discounts on diabetes products, services, and events. Sign up for your free membership today!

[collegediabetes]

Managing diabetes at home can pose many challenges. You have to make sure juice and crackers are always on hand. You have to make sure your pens, vials, or pump has enough insulin to go about your day-to-day. Let’s not even talk about the other necessities that you have to lug around with you every day.

We hope our study abroad students are getting situated in their homes away from home for the semester! Mykel has some great tips for adjusting to your new lifestyle while you're away.

[collegediabetes]

If you had told me two years ago that I would one day want my career to be focused around improving the lives of those living with diabetes, I would have shaken my head in firm disbelief. Prior to college, I would have never gone out of my way to befriend other people with diabetes, let alone focus my career around diabetes.

Are you interested in working in the diabetes sector? CDN wants you to apply to attend a diabetes-related conference through our NextGen Leadership program this summer to connect with mentors in your field, learn about the latest research, and represent CDN! We will be traveling to conferences like the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions and the American Association of Diabetes Educators Annual Meeting (and more). Read Hannah's blog about her experience at the AADE18 Annual Meeting, and apply here! Applications are due March 1st. https://www.tfaforms.com/4715356

[collegediabetes]

There is nothing predictable about living life with diabetes. In fact, the only consistent thing about diabetes, is its inconsistency. Although it’s extremely frustrating to accept, it was inspiration for my wanting to found a Chapter of CDN at the University of Dayton. I thought that with support from other college students and the local community, balancing diabetes and daily college life could be made easier.

[collegediabetes]

It's day two of #CDW18! Today's theme is peer support. Share the role peer support plays in your life with diabetes and finish this sentence: "Because of CDN...". Make sure to use #BecauseOfCDN #CDW18 and tag us!

[collegediabetes]

College Diabetes Week 2018 is finally here, and we are so excited! Today's theme is diagnosis. Post, Tweet, blog or Instagram what your diagnosis story is, and finish this sentence:  "At diagnosis, I wish I knew...". Tag us and use the hashtags #CDW18 #NewDX, and check out Molly's example Check out Molly's example: https://huggingthecactus.com/2018/11/07/what-i-wish-i-knew-when-i-was-diagnosed-with-diabetes

[collegediabetes]

Check out our new look! The new CDN website is officially live. Our completely redesigned website lays out everything you need to crush college with T1D.

[collegediabetes]

"All I can say to the T1D reading this is that you should feel empowered to go and see the world, to tell your story and to never let diabetes hold you back."

Traveling around the world with T1D takes lots of planning, lots of supplies, and a little bravery. Hannah told us about her time volunteering in Guatemala. Check it out!

[collegediabetes]

Hannah's Perspective on Drinking With Diabetes

Download our Off to College Booklets for caregivers and students for more info on this topic and so much more! https://www.tfaforms.com/384379

Happy homecoming/Halloweekend #1! This weekend is probably not the worst time to brush up on some tips for drinking with T1D. Watch this playlist over brunch this morning.

[collegediabetes]

Dating with Diabetes? We have a playlist for that. See how other CDN students deal with it!