Skye is a teenager living with type 1 diabetes and has been a Podder® since 2021. She loves football, swimming, and being the best big sister ever – she wears Omnipod® 5 to keep up with it all... even on the busiest days.
Heading back to school with type 1 diabetes can feel really daunting—especially when you're starting high school.
I was diagnosed during lockdown, so my type 1 school journey started when I returned to Year 6. Honestly, it couldn’t have gone better. I went to a small primary school where my TA supported me, the chef went above and beyond to carb count, and my teachers worked closely with me and my family to figure out what worked best. There were no other students with type 1, so it was new for everyone. We worked through highs, lows, starting a new pump, and getting back into sports.
When I started on the Omnipod DASH®, I was told I might need a full week off school. But it was SATs week—and there was no way I was missing the special Year 6 SATs breakfast! My glucose levels were stable, the pump start was going well, and off I went.
High school has been a journey. When I first joined, I was expected to manage my diabetes completely on my own. That actually suited me—I’ve always done my own injections and pump changes. But I know that might be really hard for some people.
I had a care plan in place and could go to First Aid if I needed help, especially in the first few weeks while I got used to carb counting at lunch. But I quickly realised that most teachers didn’t know I had type 1. They hadn’t had any training, and I had to explain why I was using my phone, eating Haribos, or asking to go to the bathroom.
My mum spoke to my form tutor, who realised that hardly anyone had done the type 1 training. She listened and made sure that any teacher working with a student with type 1 completed it. Having even just one teacher who understands and supports you makes a huge difference.
Managing lunch can be tricky. Packed lunches make carb counting easier, but I prefer school dinners. I usually skip the queue and figure out my insulin dose on the spot. There’s no carb list for meals, and portion sizes vary, so sometimes I get it wrong. That’s just part of life with type 1—every day is different, and that’s okay.
My type 1 diabetes hasn’t stopped me from doing anything at school. I’ve been to France on a school trip, I’m working on my Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, and I’m the goalkeeper for the school football team. Last year, we even won the National Cup!
A new school year usually means new teachers, and some understand type 1 better than others. One teacher even asked if I’d really thought about taking Sports Studies for GCSEs because I might have hypos. These are the moments where you have to speak up and educate people. For me, having a hypo once every three weeks is actually really good! People don’t always realise that dealing with highs and lows is just part of life for anyone with type 1—no matter what subject you’re in.
I’m lucky to have friends who support me and know I have type 1. Still, no one truly understands unless they live with it too. Recently, a friend of mine was diagnosed. I’d never wish this diagnosis on anyone, but having someone else to talk to has been really comforting. We share advice, hypo treatments, and just support each other.
There was a time when going back to school meant worrying about whether I had my exit pass, or if I’d have to ask to go to First Aid to use my spare medical kit or get advice. I used to carry a huge bag of diabetes stuff everywhere with me.
Now, those little things don’t worry me. My diabetes kit is a lot lighter these days. This year, Omnipod® 5 has been an absolute game-changer. One thing I used to worry about was my glucose levels going high during exams. Before Omnipod 5, stress and anxiety would send my levels sky-high. Now, I’m getting a full night’s sleep, my glucose levels are more stable, and my grades have improved.
This year, my biggest worry will be making sure I have everything in place for my GCSEs. Starting high school was really overwhelming—navigating the building, making new friends, learning new subjects, and managing type 1 all at once. But a couple of weeks in, I found my own way.
What works for one person with type 1 might not work for you. My best advice? Find that one teacher who will listen and understand. Don’t be afraid to speak up when you need to. Life is different for type 1s, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have the school life you want.
This year, I’m going back to school as a Senior Prefect and Sports Captain, with GCSEs ahead and my Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award to complete. Type 1 diabetes might be part of my story, but it’s definitely not the whole thing. If you’re starting school and living with type 1 diabetes too, just know you’re not alone. Bring snacks, reach out for support, and don’t forget – you're stronger than you think.
You’ve got this.