“Remember, candidates sitting for the examination are to conform with the outlined Standard Operating Procedures. In particular, candidates are not permitted to bring in any items that are not required for answering the question paper.”
I have an issue with these SOPs. No matter how much I’d like to be a conforming candidate I simply cannot be. This is not because I am forgetful. This is not because I am not switched on. This is because I have Type One Diabetes. I must have my very own Standard Operating Amended Procedures!
To be exam prepped and ready I come equipped with my diabetic expedition survival kit. This is literally what I would need if ever I happened to be ship wrecked on a desert (or dessert) island.
With this kit I reckon I could last an extra 2 days, at least from a diabetic standpoint not taking into consideration the threat of a lack of drinking water and dangerous animals.
It also means that I can sit in a 3 hour Cambridge A-Level Accounting exam and survive from a diabetic standpoint not taking into consideration the threat of not having done enough revision.
In the kit, I have my blood glucose meter, lancets, testing strips, sweets, alcohol swabs, sweets, constant glucose monitor reader, sweets, insulin, sweets, phone and a good luck mascot.
Before – 2019 exam kit 
After – 2020 exam kit
Not all good luck mascots are allowed in the exam hall…
In addition to abiding by my Standard Operating Amended Procedures, I must also prepare for a number of situations should they arise.
The feeling of stress is inevitable come exam season no matter who you are. Stress is not a carbohydrate but can affect a Type One Diabetic’s blood in the same way as a carb would. The experience itself can cause your blood to rise similarly to how eating a carbohydrate would. How sad is that, my glucose spikes and I haven’t even tasted a thing.
The following table gives you an insight to my stress level, what it does to my blood sugar and what I would have to eat (provided no insulin) to cause the same effect:
A way to reduce your stress and reduce blood sugar spikes is to revise using high quality notes. Big thanks to the team at ZNotes for helping me to reduce my blood sugar during my Cambridge AS-Level exams. You guys helped me smash my Psychology papers.
On a final note, did I mention that I need to bring sweets into the exam hall? It’s not all bad being a Type 1 Diabetic.
Glucose upon publishing: 5.4 mmol/L
Insulearning with Antonia 
Dear Antonia,
I wish you all the best for your A levels if you have not passed them already. Rest assured that if I do not comment all your posts, I enjoy reading them.
Cheers
Jaybee
You are very kind Jaybee. Thank you for all your support
This is such a well-put article!
🙂
Another brilliant blog Antonia
Im proud of you and pray that you continue being strong.Im sure you can surpass all these challenges.Take care.
I really apreciate this
Dear Antonia,
I read your post and it’s very well written and to the point, I’m not a big reader but I pay credit when I read something worthwhile. I’m very sorry for the fact that you have been diagnosed with type A diabetes, heard it from your dad the other day and he shared with me the link to your post, it’s unfortunate what you are going through but its not the end of the world for a talented person like you. I’m sure you will grow stronger and do good in life. Stay positive and try to spread good deeds in every step you take. Wealth, positions in careers, fame etc. are all temporary. What’s important is that we create a good legacy in every step we take in our lives personally and professionally and I have no doubt you will do your part in spreading positivity to all who surround you.
Wish you all the best and God bless you.
Kind regards
Saeed
Thank you so much Uncle Saeed