Managing Diabetes In College

The CDC describes diabetes as a "chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how the body turns food into energy." Non-insulin-dependent, or Type 2 diabetes, comprises about 90% of diabetes cases in the United States. Also called adult-onset diabetes, it often begins during adulthood. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes do not make enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.

Insulin-dependent, or Type 1 diabetes, makes up the remaining 10% of cases. Also called juvenile-onset diabetes, Type 1 diabetes usually begins in childhood. For still largely unknown reasons, people with Type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin.

Diabetes symptoms vary between individuals. Symptoms may include blurry vision, numbness or tingling of hands or feet, frequent night urination, fatigue, and slow-healing sores. Type 1 diabetes can induce more severe symptoms, including nausea and stomach pains.

According to the CDC, 21.4% of American adults with diabetes (7.3 million) are unaware of their condition at the outset. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to nerve or kidney damage, hearing impairment, and even Alzheimer's disease.

Most people with Type 1 diabetes use insulin injections or pumps to manage the condition. They also monitor their carbohydrate intake closely and check their blood sugar regularly. Treatment options for Type 2 diabetes often involve lifestyle changes such as losing weight and exercising regularly.

Some doctors prescribe diabetes medication to help control blood sugar levels and regulate insulin production. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes must check their blood sugar regularly.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) classifies diabetes as a disability. The classification and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act protects the rights of students with diabetes and other disabilities.

Colleges and universities must make their programs and college experience equally accessible to all students. However, limits exist. Schools are only required to offer accommodations and modifications that do not fundamentally alter a program's nature. Modifications must also not cause undue administrative or financial burden.

Under the ADA, colleges and universities receiving any type of federal aid must provide students with diabetes with reasonable accommodations. For example, students with diabetes may need a snack or a fruit drink during an exam or in class to prevent their blood sugar level from dipping. Some schools allow students with diabetes to reschedule exams or make up for missed coursework during a diabetes-related medical emergency.

Students with diabetes must contact their school's student services department prior to the start of the school year. This step is especially important for first-year students. However, sophomores and upper-class enrollees should also ensure their accommodation request is in place at the beginning of each academic year. The accommodations depend on learners' specific medical needs and the school's resources.

No. The law protects jobseekers with diabetes or other disabilities from needing to share their medical condition to potential employers. However, employees can only sue for discrimination if they divulged their condition to their employer. Even if an employee with diabetes shares their medical condition, the company must still comply with privacy laws that prevent them from making this information available to unauthorized personnel.

Students with diabetes who must complete an internship should share their medical condition with their preceptors. Although they are not legally required to do so, divulging this information can be helpful. Most internship sites grant reasonable accommodations to interns who request them. The accommodation type depends on several factors. These may include the workplace setting, intern duties, and internship site resources.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) provides information and resources for students managing diabetes in college. The ADA also provides resources for professionals coping with the disease in the workplace. Individuals with diabetes who have been discriminated against in school or the workplace because of their condition can seek ADA assistance. The organization may provide legal and arbitration services.