Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Landon56 on December 3, 2010 at 7:53pm

I don't tell them. But I'm starting to think that it is a good idea the farther I go along. Too many times where I have lows and some highs in classes and have to leave. I'm sure they think that I'm just leaving instead of handling my health.

Permalink Reply by Jamie on December 12, 2010 at 2:47pm

I let my instructors know. I just finished my first semester of college and most my instruction thanked me for letting them know because if something goes wrong say your having a low blood sugar and you pass out or something it's important for them to know you have diabetes and they asked me for permission to go into my purse and get me something to eat if that ever where to happen. I think it's important I always let them know.

Permalink Reply by Jay on February 4, 2011 at 9:01pm

As a retired college professor, a point of law is shared with all college professors in the USA, whether they remember it or not. The USA - Americans with Disabilities Act educational component says students must declare their disability to the school's disability support services or not be eligible for accommodation. For example, if a college has a rule about "no eating in a classroom" and a diabetic starts hypo in the middle of a quiz and needs to eat, if they are not on the school's disability list, then they must leave the quiz to treat their "undeclared" hypo. If they have declared to the school's disability office, then they can eat at their seat and continue on the quiz. This is NOT FAIR in my eyes but it is the way many schools look at disabilities - declared = real, undeclared = does not exist.

So, my two cents worth is - if you are a student, declare your diabetes to your disability office and review the accommodations your are seeking like: eat in class when no eating rules apply, testing BG during class - step into hall or perform at seat, have pump that beeps and not be "penalized" for not silencing a communications device, and similar events.

Bottom line, always discuss so you have as much protection to defend from college faculty who may be so far into their subject matter they forget how to be human and compassionate.

Permalink Reply by Naomie on February 16, 2011 at 1:04pm

A lot of time when other kids voice their disabilities, everyone else doesnt think its fair they get special treatment. The only time teachers knew was was when i was diagnosed in middle school. after i graduated i kept it to myself and few friends. i think it was good practice for college b/c i know how to handle unexpected situations w/o making a scene.

Permalink Reply by bardowlatry on February 16, 2011 at 6:20pm

I'm newly diagnosed and finishing up a PhD now. I was actually in the hospital on the first day of one of my classes (that I teach) this semester, which meant that unfortunately, more people ended up finding out about it than I would've told otherwise. I had to arrange for a substitute, and the reason got around to many of the higher-ups in my department.

As far as students informing me of diabetes (or any other medical condition), I think it can be helpful. Of course, I've never minded snacks or such in classes, and the only reason a gadget would bother me was if it was someone talking or texting on the phone. But one thing that I have encountered one time to many is the student who takes advantage of me for making allowances (especially regarding attendance policies).

Permalink Reply by Mohanned on August 30, 2011 at 5:39am

Yes ,infact one of the professors at my medschool is a type1 and noticed I lost a lot of weight before I was diagnosed(like 70 pounds in 6 weeks) he then said "wow you lost a lot of weight son since the semester started,can I check your blood sugar ?" next thing I know I was rushed to the hospital and my sugar was 700 .so yeah I think some of the professors your attending their lecture should know.

Permalink Reply by Jay on March 11, 2012 at 8:12pm

I think it is time to bring this discussion to life. I just read an email about a professor upholding a "no eating in class" rule on a hypo diabetic who was undeclared. Student fought the academic sanction and lost because of the university's rule on declaring being required for accommodation.

I am just a retired T2 prof.

Permalink Reply by Asma on June 18, 2012 at 6:47am

I do that too. Not tell my teachers until I absolutely need to. Partly because I don't want them to think less of me as a student or give me special treatment. When it comes to being treated differently, I always opt for less than more.

I had a low during one of my finals and my pump went off. Didn't test, even though the kit was right under my chair. Just got out my juice box and nobody said a thing. A while before that during my IELTs reading exam I told the supervisor and she assured me that they don't have any problem with me testing or eating.

Sometimes though, when you're low you don't make the soundest judgement. About a month ago I had a low in the mid thirties during an org chemistry class and I only had 2 glucose tabs on me. Very stern professor who's known for being mean to anyone who interrupts and I had to wait 40 minutes til the end of the lectures. Some of my classmates were freaking out and tried to fish around for chocolate but I was sitting in the front and I didn't feel like explaining myself to a classroom full of students and just sat there. Longest 40 mins in class I've ever been through.

Permalink Reply by Jay on August 11, 2012 at 8:32am

As the new school year begins I am going to refresh one of my older posts in this section to bring it back to life.

As a retired T2 college professor on a pump, a point of law is shared with all college professors in the USA, whether they remember it or not. The USA - Americans with Disabilities Act educational component says students must declare their disability to the school's disability support services or not be eligible for accommodation. For example, if a college has a rule about "no eating in a classroom" and a diabetic starts hypo in the middle of a quiz and needs to eat, if they are not on the school's disability list, then they must leave the quiz to treat their "undeclared" hypo. If they have declared to the school's disability office, then they can eat at their seat and continue on the quiz. This is NOT FAIR in my eyes but it is the way many schools look at disabilities - declared = real, undeclared = does not exist.

So, my two cents worth is - if you are a student, declare your diabetes to your disability office and review the accommodations your are seeking like: eat in class when no eating rules apply, testing BG during class - step into hall or perform at seat, have pump that beeps and not be "penalized" for not silencing a communications device, and similar events.

Bottom line, always discuss your needs with the school's disability support office so you have as much protection to defend from college faculty who may be so far into their subject matter they forget how to be human and compassionate. You can hold your trump card (a letter from the school disability support office stating you are entitled to accommodation for hypos etc) until you need to play it.

There are old diabetics and Bold diabetics. I have not seen old, bold diabetics.

Permalink Reply by Libia Marqueza Castro on September 19, 2012 at 8:13pm

For me, it depends on the size of the class. If the class is really big (over 100) than I don't because chances are they'll just out you in the lump of students who have health issues. If the class is smaller than 100, I do tell the professor because it's usually more noticeable if you're absent or not feeling well because of diabetes. And it's usually more noticeable if you're eating or drinking or doing anything related to diabetes.

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