Last Monday (14 November) marked World Diabetes Day, so to commemorate the occasion, I interviewed two Type One diabetic Nottingham Trent University (NTU) students on what it’s like being a student with Type One diabetes.
First year Journalism student Gemma Faulkner, a diabetic for 18 years, commented on how diabetes affects her way of living.
She said: “Like others living with diabetes, I know it can be a day-to-day struggle for those who have it.
“Don’t get me wrong, most people who have it will just get on with it and it’s what teaches us some of the most important things in life; resilience, confidence and courage.
“Diabetes isn’t always visible to everyone but people can be struggling with hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia that can affect our studies, passions and activities.”
First year Policing student Ellie Johnson who has had the condition for three years also commented on how diabetes impacts her day-to-day life.
She said: “It now comes [as] second nature to me.
“Leaving the house [means] ensuring I have my essentials; phone, devices [and] something to eat in case my blood sugar gets low.”
Personally, I have always struggled to be open and truthful with my condition, often playing down the effects it has on me or not wanting my insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor to be visible in fear of being judged.
I can even go so far as to not wear the devices on holiday.
However, the openness of celebrities such as Lila Moss who freely walked down the catwalk with her insulin pump visible, or Strictly Come Dancing dancer Nikita Kuzmin proudly wearing his Freestyle Libre, helped me and no doubt many others be more confident with the condition.
When I queried whether Gemma had ever felt the need to hide her condition, she said: “I have never hidden my insulin pump or glucose monitor.
“I’m often asked if it’s a nicotine patch (it’s not!) but if you see one, don’t be afraid to ask – talking to people about it can help spread awareness.
“I’m proud to say I have it. It’s a part of me that I have learnt to be confident about.”
Ellie also commented on how confident she was with people knowing about her condition and offered some key tips for students living with diabetes.
“It’s important to have a good support group around you who are aware of your condition and its effects,” she said.
“I would rather people ask about my diabetes rather than point and stare. I don’t mind people asking as it allows me to raise awareness.
“Having my devices visible helps me meet more diabetics as it makes the condition visible.”
If you would like to learn more about the condition visit: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/types-of-diabetes/type-1
Lead Image: Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash