November marks National Diabetes Month, and at Fairfield University, students are working together to raise awareness, foster understanding, and highlight the resources available for those living with diabetes on campus.
One student group leading the initiative is The Sugar D’s, a Build-A-House team. The Build-A-House program lets these students design themed housing that connects their living space with broader campus engagement. This year, the group of juniors decided to focus on Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) awareness and education. Their inspiration came from one of their own roommates, who was diagnosed with T1D at age three.
“It’s been amazing to spread information and awareness about T1D to people on campus because it helps create a community that understands what she and other people with diabetes go through,” said junior Zuzanna Janusz, member of The Sugar D’s.
The Sugar D’s hosted their first event, “Brave in Blue Bracelet Making,” two weeks ago, which drew nearly 90 attendees. Students crafted blue bracelets to wear throughout November in recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month.
Their next event will be a bake sale on Nov. 14, with proceeds benefiting a T1D foundation that their roommate with T1D had been involved with for years. Looking ahead, the group also plans to host a walk in April to continue spreading awareness and community support.
“We wanted to raise awareness and educate others through our events,” explained Brie Alvarado, another member of The Sugar D’s. “I’ve learned so much from Meg – about her OmniPod, units of insulin, and just how much diabetes affects your daily life.”
Beyond student-led initiatives, Fairfield provides several campus resources to support students managing diabetes as well as other dietary and health-related needs.
Junior nursing student Katie Fernandes, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age seven, shared that Fairfield has provided strong accessibility and nutritional support.
“When I was applying to colleges, having a school that was accessible to my needs was important to me,” Fernandes said. “Fairfield has been able to provide that for me the last few years through the Office of Accessibility, Stag Shuttle, and the various dining options on campus.”
Fernandes said she appreciates the variety of healthy options available at the Tully and The Stag, from the salad and fruit bars to the allergy-friendly stations. Still, she noted that one area of improvement could be nutrition transparency, particularly carbohydrate counts. She explained that counting carbohydrates is critical, noting that small differences in portion sizes can make a difference in insulin intake.
Another student, senior Elena DeBari, echoed similar experiences. Through the Office of Accessibility, she receives accommodations that help make living with diabetes easier – including permission to take food to go from the Tully, access to her diabetic supplies, food, and water at all times, and the ability to have a mini fridge and microwave in her room.
“I don’t have many issues finding food, but more low-carb options would be great,” DeBari said. “I know some T1D people follow a very strict low-carb diet. But, I’ve had really good experiences with getting accommodations when I’ve needed them.”
DeBari also noted that her accommodations extend beyond dining, including extra time on tests, breaks during exams, and approved medical absences when necessary.
As Fairfield observes National Diabetes Month, students like Fernandes, DeBari, and the members of The Sugar D’s continue to show that awareness includes building empathy, accessibility, and community.