Navigating College with Type 1 Diabetes: transitioning away from my parents care

By Claire Pozil

Starting college is a huge milestone that is exciting and full of changes. For me, one of the biggest adjustments was managing my type 1 diabetes more independently while still having my parents as a safety net. Thankfully, I had already been handling everything diabetes-related throughout high school, which made the transition to college much smoother.

Before move-in day, my parents and I wanted to make sure I was fully prepared. The summer before college, I participated in a group Zoom course my endocrinologist holds once a year for incoming college students with diabetes. In this session, we covered managing blood sugar on our own, handling emergencies, and finding the right balance between independence and staying connected with our parents. We also discussed self-advocacy on campus, including how to communicate with professors about accommodations and how to connect with campus health services or nurses when needed.

Now, after attending the CHOC Zoom for transitioning, I have the opportunity to be part of the panel for the second year in a row. I get to talk to incoming freshmen about my transition and share tips from my own experience. It’s incredibly rewarding to give back and help others feel more confident as they start this journey.

Even though I was officially on my own, my parents still played a role in my diabetes care. They followed my Dexcom, and if my blood sugar was too low or too high, they’d text me to check in. My first year, they even called in the middle of the night to make sure I was treating a low. Knowing they were still looking out for me, even from a distance, gave me peace of mind.

One of the biggest things that helped was having a support system at school. I shared my Dexcom data with my roommates and a few close friends, so if I ever had a serious low and didn’t wake up, someone nearby would know. It was reassuring to know that I wasn’t handling everything completely alone and I had people who understood and were willing to help when needed.

If there’s one piece of advice I can give, it’s this: always overpack your diabetes supplies. I go to college in-state, so I didn’t have to deal with changing my mailing address for supplies, and I could go home when I needed to restock. But my first year? I made way too many late-night drives home to grab a Dexcom after realizing I was all out. If you’re going out of state, planning ahead is even more important! Always bring more than you think you’ll need to avoid the stress of running out.

As time went on, I got more confident in managing everything on my own. My parents still check in now and then, but they trust me to handle it. The transition wasn’t always easy, but it was necessary. Learning to balance independence with support has been one of the most valuable lessons of my college experience.

If you’re heading to college with T1D, or if you’re a parent preparing your child for this transition, my advice is: communicate, plan ahead, and make sure there’s a support system in place. You don’t have to do it alone, but you also have the power to take charge of your own health.

College is a time for growth, and for me, that meant not just learning in the classroom but also figuring out how to manage my diabetes in a way that worked for me. Looking back, I’m grateful for both the challenges and the support that helped me get to where I am today.