How do you own your Diabetes?

Lets face it, Diabetes is an ugly disease. We are constantly dealing with highs and lows, site changes, shots, blood, and carbs. It is always there 24/7/365. I personally look for ways to own it. I mean if I have to wear a pump then I want it on my terms, hence the jewels on my all too cute pump. The buttons are covered but after many yrs with my trusty pump I can bolus for carbs and a high in the complete dark because it is second nature now. On another note I have been running like a chicken with my head cut off heading to the endo and pcp before I head back to school on the 29th. I am ensuring that prescriptions are written and A1C is done and supplies are gathered. I will be staying in the apt style dorms with three other girls. We all have our own room and share two bathrooms one on one side of the kitchenette and one on the other as well as a living room. This is an intense summer secession with classes only being four weeks long. I have went over and over in my head how to cover my basis for any diabetic issue that might pop up. I got permission to have a mini fridge for my low snacks and insulin so I do not have to worry about them disappearing when I need them. I have my supplies renewed and filled for the next 3 months, batteries in meters have been changed and emergency scripts have been sent to the pharmacy near my school. RA's in my dorms have been trained in diabetic emergencies (this is a first for my college to do. They used to only train on common emergencies but have found with 5 of us type 1's living on campus it is important to include this type of training). The summer room mates do not know me nor do I know them so it will be interesting to meet new people. I am also already set for the fall as well I picked my room mate and she is amazing she is legally blind so she has a guide dog who is just so cute! She understands my needs and I understand hers. Oh and to end on a great note, I made the deans list and was asked to join the honors society! All A's!! So diabetes beat that!!

Why I chose dorm life

                                              ( yes this is my room and bed lol )

It is a decision that every type 1 has to make, where to live when at college. It is a hard one too I must admit. We think about the regular stuff like who is going to be there, what if I do not like my room mate, cost and needs, but as diabetics we must also think of safety, diabetes care, emergency help, and a list of other things. I personally chose the dorms because I knew it would work for me based off of the following:
1. I am surrounded by friends who know me and my diabetes and can help in an emergency vs. living in an apt by myself or with one other person.
2. Everything is close by life class and food at the dining hall and the convenience of a restaurant in my dorms helped.
3. We have officers who are emergency trained 24/7 in our dorm buildings to help if the need arises.
4. Cost is cheaper so I have more money for snacks and health insurance lol.
5. Community. ( not diabetic related but the friendships I have made are priceless)
6. Study groups easy to find and close to room if not in my room when needed.
7. If I forget something on my way to class like say a meter or even pump ( yep has happened after shower lol) I do not have far to go.
8. Health clinic in my dorm can we say convenience?
9. Great activities to attend like the theater productions or laser tag or my favorite is the dorm against dorm basketball and kick ball games.
10. and last but not least independence with security of knowing help is there if I need it.
These all can up in conversation with my friends and family when deciding what was best for me and honestly I would not change it.