Sending your teen with type 1 diabetes off to college: 10 tips for a safe and successful transition - Children's National

Sending your child to college can feel mixed with excitement and concern especially when managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Navigating blood sugar control in a new setting involves insurance logistics, supply backups and a new independence. With thoughtful planning, this next chapter can be safe, fun and empowering. Here are 10 tips for a safe and successful transition.

1. Build a strong support network

Provide your teen with tools and communities that make them feel seen and supported:

• Encourage them to join groups like The Diabetes Link, a national organization with campus chapters and online resources for students living with T1D.
• Suggest attending events or joining peer groups to share experiences and strategies for living with diabetes in a college setting.
• Promote connecting with other students who understand the challenges of diabetes to help reduce feelings of isolation.

1. Coordinate medical care before they leave

• Have your student sign up for the provider's patient portal to make communication easier.
• Save the diabetes care team's phone numbers in their phone for quick access during emergencies.
• Schedule medical appointments well in advance for winter and summer breaks when slots fill quickly.
• Set up CGM or pump data sharing through platforms like Dexcom Clarity, Tandem T:Connect or Glooko so the care team can monitor remotely.

1. Stock up on diabetes supplies for school

• Include long-acting insulin as a backup in case of pump failure.
• Pack extra CGM sensors, transmitters, and a receiver to avoid gaps in monitoring.
• Bring a blood glucose meter and test strips in case the CGM stops working.
• Keep ketone strips, a glucagon kit, and quick-acting treatments for low blood sugar on hand.
• Store non-perishable snacks and ensure insulin is kept in a mini fridge.

1. Understand insurance coverage

• Check whether the insurance plan covers care in the state where school is located.
• Identify a local pharmacy that accepts the insurance plan.
• If on Medicaid, request a travel or vacation override for up to a 90-day supply of prescriptions before leaving.
• Consider enrolling in the school's health plan if coverage is limited.

1. Prioritize safety and accessibility

• Make sure your teen wears a medical ID bracelet or necklace and stores health information on their phone or smartwatch.
• Inform the RA, roommates and close friends about your teen's diagnosis and what to do in an emergency.
• Learn the location of the student health center and the nearest emergency room.
• Keep a backup insulin delivery plan ready in case of pump failure.

1. Secure accommodations through the Office of Disabilities

• Request permission to keep diabetes supplies in class and to take snack or bathroom breaks during exams.
• Ask for the ability to eat and drink in class as needed.
• Secure access to a refrigerator in the dorm for insulin storage.
• Consider the benefits of having a roommate who can help in an emergency instead of requesting a private room.

1. Support healthy nutrition and exercise

• Make sure your teen establishes a balanced eating routine at the start of each semester.
• Suggest using carb-counting tools such as food labels, school nutrition websites, Figwee or CalorieKing.
• Remind your teen to stay physically active even if they are not playing organized sports.
• Adjust insulin dosing to account for changes in physical activity.
• Teach your teen to eat quick-digesting carbs before workouts and to consume carbs with protein after workouts.

1. Talk about alcohol and substance use

• Make sure your teen understands that alcohol can initially raise blood sugar but later cause dangerous lows, especially during sleep.
• Remind them to always eat before drinking alcohol and to set alarms for overnight blood sugar checks.
• Talk to your teen about how marijuana use is linked to higher A1c levels and an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
• Teach your teen to bolus appropriately for all snacks consumed while under the influence of marijuana.

1. Keep the lines of communication open

• Check in regularly about academics, social life and health, not just blood sugar data.
• Send thoughtful care packages to show support.
• Respect your teen's growing independence while staying emotionally available for guidance.

1. Final tips for parents and students

• Use campus resources including health services, dining services and mental wellness programs.
• Plan ahead for study abroad trips by requesting travel overrides and packing extra supplies.
• Monitor changes in insulin needs as routines shift.
• Encourage your teen to have fun, make new friends and embrace independence while staying safe.

This article was based on a presentation by the Diabetes Team at Children's National Hospital. Contributors include Fran R. Cogen, MD, CDCES; Carrie Zager; Alyssa Danner, BSN, RN; Sarah Roberts, MS, RDN, LDN; and Carly Berger, MA.