Need to vent!

[zelack]

Argh, it's so frustrating being a college student with this disease. I'm in the middle of midterms and my blood sugars have been whacky--nothing TERRIBLE, but elevated beyond my normal range of 80-120. Now it's holding in the 140s and 150s with a few upshoots into the 180-220 range. :( I keep upping my basals and bolusing plenty for meals with little carbs (or else as unrefined as carbs get, ie sprouted grains and such), but nothing's working.

[princesslinda]

Stress will absolutely wreck havoc on blood sugar. I can't imagine the stress of having to deal with both exams and diabetes. Hopefully someone can offer you some practical advice, I just wanted to encourage you that hopefully things will improve as some of your stress lessens.

[SueM]

Have you checked your insulin is ok?
I hope things settle down soon for you.

[zelack]

It only stresses me more. Now I feel pressured by exams and like a failure because of my bad blood sugars--I think about complications and get so freaked out. :(

[jenb]

Take a few deep breaths and know that (as others have noted) stress plays a big part in elevated BG. As soon as your tests are over you'll return to your more-normal levels. YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE! You're just not able to replicate the finely tuned adjustments of your native pancreas.

Take heart! And accept a big virtual hug. It will get better.

Jen

[zelack]

I rationally know. I just get so scared I'm going to be thirty and on dialysis or unable to feel my feet. I have some serious control issues from diabetes.

[jenb]

Ooohhh - I could get very "ESTian" (does anyone remember EST?) and say "You become what you resist", but that won't help I guess! Fear is definitely not rational, and it is hard to overcome. The only thing you should focus on NOW is getting through your exams, then collapsing in a heap and getting some rest. Then (and I know this is easy for me to say), just put one foot in front of the other and try to maintain good control each day going forward.

Wouldn't it be great if we all had access to some "WayBack" machine and could undo all the dumb things we did when we were teenagers? Alas, it's not possible. The only thing to do is realize that we all do the best we can to muddle through, and try to love and nurture yourself in spite of your internal battles.

Best,
Jen

[cynthiazinn]

Ok, I too am a college student and type 1 on a pump. I am finishing my last term for my RN degree and I spend multiple stressful hours in clinicals at the hospital. What do I do when I know I am going to have a stressful day? I turn on some classical music (loudly) and "go to my happy place". It sounds nuts but even if I meditate for only 5 min. in the morning it makes a big difference in my stress level all day long! Good luck!