Student Advice Column: Prom Season!

May 11, 2018

Question:

Help!!! I was just diagnosed, and my prom is a week away!!! I’ve lost so much weight any don’t think I’ll fit into my dress anymore. What should I do?

Answers:

Maddy: Being diagnosed with diabetes is a hard transition for anyone no matter their age, but I think one of the most important things you can learn with having diabetes is that it shouldn’t stop you from living your life! It sounds like from the tone of your question you still want to go to prom, so good for you! I understand your worry and frustration about your dress. Everyone wants to look their best on prom night, right? There are two options you could go with: seeing what you can do with your current dress or get a new one altogether. See if you have a family member, friend, or a local tailor (you might be able to gain some sympathy points if you explain your situation to them) who might be able to make some quick alterations to your dress. If you have the means available, going to the mall with a parent, sibling, or friend(s) to see what you can find as a backup could even be a fun way to get your mind off the stress you might be feeling from your new diagnosis.

“After prom is over you’ll remember the good times shared with your friends more than what your dress looked like.”

Just a side note for prom night: make sure you’re prepared with low blood sugar snacks, insulin, meter and whatever other supplies you might need for the night and have a friend who understands your new diagnosis and what to look for if you’re going high or low. Take it from someone who’s been there: whatever you end up deciding, after prom is over you’ll remember the good times shared with your friends more than what your dress looked like, so don’t sweat it too much!

“The good news is that altering your prom dress should be fairly easy!”

Abbey: Wow! What an exciting time: prom and being newly diagnosed!! The good news is that altering your prom dress should be fairly easy! You can either take your dress to a local tailor, or you can take it to your local dry cleaners to see if they do alterations. I took my prom dress to a retired women who did alternations out of her house, for fun. She did a great job, and I am sure wherever you go, they will do a great job also. I know that some tailors and dry cleaners get busy around prom season, but I am sure you can find one that will be able to fix your dress in time. After all is said, I know your dress will look stunning on you! Plus, having type one will only add an extra little sparkle to you!

Editor’s note: For those of you planning on pumping at prom, check out these tips for where to wear a pump in a prom dress!

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