Diabetes

Medication and supplies

• Plan adequate supplies.  If you use Insulin you will need to bring your syringes and plan for refrigeration. 

• A Walgreens Pharmacy is located at Vaden Health Center.  You may use this pharmacy for your medications.  In addition, there are other pharmacies located within 1 mile of campus. 

• Your blood glucose monitoring system should be included on your packing list.

• Vaden Health Center may provide you with a syringe box which you may return for replacement when it is full. Please come to Vaden to request this equipment.

Diet

• The campus cafeterias and food shops include healthy choices.  Whether you are relying on cafeteria food, or cooking on your own there will be freedom to choose unhealthy choices also.  Keep in mind that dietary changes could have a negative impact on your glucose control.  For more information please visit https://collegediabetesnetwork.org/dining-diabetes.

• Stanford Dining makes every effort to provide a variety of menu options for students who have food allergies, food restrictions and/or special diets. 

• Special dining accommodations may be made, please go to https://rde.stanford.edu/dining and complete the first page of the Dietary Accommodations Form and submit it to nutritionist@stanford.edu. Some accommodations may require medical documentation on file with the Office of Accessible Education. 

• Students are encouraged to contact the manager of their dining hall for additional information.

• For more information, contact nutritionist@stanford.edu

• Alcohol use has a negative impact on glycemic control and is a known risk factor for severe hypoglycemia. See Alcohol and Diabetes and http://www.drinkingwithdiabetes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/FactSheet_DrinkingWithDiabetes.pdf

Accommodations and roomates and friends

• The Office of Accessible Education is available for student to request medical accommodations. If medically necessary, examples of accommodations include extended time on tests or assignments, housing preference near dining hall, space for a refrigerator in your dorm room. https://oae.stanford.edu/students/registering-oae

• Use this tip sheet when talking with roommates, Resident Advisors (RA), close friends, and professors (as needed). https://www.collegediabetesnetwork.org/content/diabetes-roommates

Medical appointments

• Incoming students with Type 1 Diabetes should schedule an appointment with a Vaden clinician to establish care. This is the best way to receive referrals to specialists (if needed).

• Many students find it helpful to have a local Endocrinologist while on campus.  You may wish to talk to your endocrinologist for a recommendation. If you need a referral to an endocrinologist while you are on campus, one of the Vaden clinicians may make a referral for you.  You will have access to Stanford Medical Center and Menlo Medical Clinic. These specialists are covered in Cardinal Care Insurance.  A co-payment will be required. If you do not have Cardinal Care, you will have to check your insurance for covered providers.

• Ongoing visits should occur every 3 months for patients taking insulin and every 3-6 months for patients with type 2 diabetes not taking insulin, according to ADA recommendations.*

• Illnesses may affect your blood sugar level.  Make sure you closely monitor your blood glucose when you are ill.  Do not wait to schedule an appointment at Vaden if you are ill. If you are not sure whether you need a visit, Vaden has a nurse who is available by phone. In addition, a physician on call is available after hours for phone advice.

• Annual eye exams may be completed when you go home during breaks, or you may see an optometrist at Vaden if covered by your insurance.

• You should consider getting a flu shot when available in the fall. Vaden offers the flu vaccine at no charge for registered students.

Coping in college

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is the university’s counseling center dedicated to student mental health and well-being. If you are feeling overwhelmed or just need a little help in dealing with things you may contact CAPS to schedule an appointment.  Here is some information.

Insurance

• If you are not planning to sign up for Cardinal Care Insurance, you should check to make sure your current insurance covers care at Stanford Health Care and Stanford Specialty Clinics.  If it does not, we strongly encourage you to enroll in Cardinal Care. This is especially important for students with pre-existing medical conditions.

• Undergraduate students on full financial aid should check with the Financial Aid Office at (888) 326-3773 regarding coverage of the cost of Cardinal Care prior to making a decision to waive coverage.