Living with Flatmates: How to Explain T1D Without Making It Awkward
Moving into uni halls or a shared flat is exciting- freedom, new friends, late night chats and questionable kitchen cleanliness. If you have Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), there’s one extra thing on your mind: how do you explain it to your flatmates without making it a big deal?
The good news? It doesn’t have to be awkward. You don’t need to give a TED Talk on insulin production on day one. Here’s how to casually bring it up, make sure they know the important bits and keep things chill.
1. Timing is Everything
You don’t need to sit everyone down for a serious conversation the minute you move in. Instead, look for natural moments to mention it:
When you’re cooking and carb counting: “Oh, I have Type 1 Diabetes, so I have to estimate how many carbs are in this pasta before I give insulin.”
When you’re checking your blood sugar: “If you see me scanning my arm, I’m not texting- I’m checking my glucose.”
When the topic of medical conditions comes up: “Yeah, I’ve had T1D since I was (age), so I’m pretty used to it.”
A casual mention makes it normal, rather than feeling like a big announcement.
2. Keep It Simple (No Medical Degree Required)
Your flatmates don’t need to understand basal rates or insulin sensitivity factors. Just give them the basics:
What T1D is (“My pancreas doesn’t make insulin, so I have to take it manually.”)
What they might notice (“Sometimes I need to check my blood sugar or eat something if it's low.”)
What to do in an emergency (“If I ever pass out or act really confused, call 999 and tell them I have Type 1 Diabetes.”)
Most people will just nod and move on. No biggie.
3. Hypos: What They Need to Know
You don’t need a babysitter, but it helps if your flatmates know what a low blood sugar (hypo) looks like. Maybe just mention:
“If I go really quiet or start acting weird, I might be having a hypo- just chuck me a sugary drink or sweets.”
“If I look bad and I’m not responding, call 999.”
If you have a housemate you’re closer to, you could show them where you keep your hypo supplies (bonus points if they bring you juice when you’re too shaky to grab it yourself).
4. The Glucagon Chat (Only If You Want To)
You don’t have to bring this up, but if you’d feel safer, you can tell a close flatmate about your glucagon pen (if you have one). Keep it simple:
“If I ever pass out from low blood sugar, this injection could save my life. Hopefully, you’ll never need to use it, but it’s in my drawer if anything ever happens.”
“Honestly, just calling an ambulance is the main thing.”
Most people will be more than happy to help if needed, but hopefully they’ll never have to!
5. Answer Questions, Then Move On
People might be curious and ask things like “Can you eat sugar?” or “What happens if you forget your insulin?” You can answer quickly and steer the convo back to normal stuff:
“Can you eat sugar?” -> “Yep! I just have to take insulin for it.”
“Does it hurt when you inject?” -> “Not really, I’m used to it.”
“Can you die from diabetes?” -> “Not if I manage it properly, which I do.”
After that, people usually move on and forget about it- which is exactly what you want.
6. Set Boundaries If Needed
Most flatmates will be cool and respectful, but if someone starts making dumb comments (“Should you be eating that?”), feel free to shut it down:
“I know how to manage my diabetes, thanks!”
“I have to count carbs, but I can eat whatever I want.”
“If I ever need advice, I’ll ask my doctor- not you.” (Said with a smile, of course!)
7. You Don’t Have to Share Everything
At the end of the day, how much you share is your choice. Some people love educating others about T1D, while others prefer to keep it low-key. Do whatever feels right for you.
Your flatmates will get used to you checking blood sugar, injecting or grabbing a snack at weird times- it’ll just be another normal part of living together.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
Explaining T1D to new flatmates can feel a bit awkward at first, but most people will be chill about it. A quick mention, a few basic facts and maybe a joke or two- and you’re good to go.
Remember: You’re in control of the conversation. Say as much (or as little) as you want, and soon, your flatmates will barely notice your T1D- except when they’re jealous of your late night hypo snacks!