Title

close iconicon dots

Life with T1D

T1D on the Job – What Are You Obligated to Tell? 

Whether you are applying for a job or already have one, what steps should you take to inform employers and potential employers about your medical “challenge” or work disability?

T1D on the Job – What Are You Obligated to Tell? 

There are many people with health issues and ailments these days. This includes many people who work. Whether you are applying for a job or already have one, what steps should you take to inform employers and potential employers about your medical “challenge” or work disability? A work disability is a physical or mental impairment that limits daily life activities without the aid of medication or wheelchairs.

Do You Tell You’re Diabetic on the First Interview?

As a type 1 diabetic, I have never, on the first interview, said anything about being a type 1 diabetic. At this point, I am not even sure if I will be hired, so I felt no reason to disclose my “personal” information.  Nor, during any of the interview processes I have been through, have I ever recalled being asked about having an illness or disability. I never felt the need to because most of my time as an Advertising Manager was in the office. Plus, there was generally always a source of glucose close by or one that was very nearby.

I question whether everyone tells their medical problems when they have an interview. I once had a boss who had a heart problem, then had a heart attack and dropped to the ground before my desk. There again, he never shared anything about having a heart problem. You can never predict if things will happen. 

When people don't understand type 1 diabetes (T1D) they sometimes make assumptions or resort to stereotypes they’ve heard in the past. 

This can be tiresome, frustrating, and, when at work, illegal at times. But it still happens. 

If you are in a position where you could hurt someone else if your blood sugar drops, such as driving a car, you might say something. But, for the most part it should be fine to keep this information to yourself. 

Hypoglycemia on the Job

I understood that it could be confusing for others if I had a hypoglycemic event, so I selected a few trusted individuals to share my condition with. It’s not something I needed to hide (there is nothing wrong with being type 1); as said, I tend to be a private person. 

Plus, when the blood sugar drops, hypoglycemic symptoms are often confusing for others. With no glucose flowing through the system, including the brain, when lows come, you don’t think or behave clearly. The brain often feels as though it’s at 50% capacity and you are often shaky, scared, confused, nervous and trying to fix the conundrum without  being 100% capable. So, it is always nice to have someone who is willing to help.  

With type 1 and type 2 diabetes, there are many misunderstandings about both. I generally don’t say anything about my condition, since people’s confusion often lead to assumptions and a lot of explanations.

Once You’re Hired

I manage to find someone (or a few) I work with and feel I can trust to keep it confidential - like HR, the company president and a few others I worked with closely. This way, if I have a diabetic emergency, I can get the assistance needed. When I traveled with people, I would explain that I was diabetic and what resources I would need to help me just in case. I always carried glucose with me in case of emergency, and let them know where it is located, and signs to look for. 

I also made sure to have a juice or sugared soda close by in meetings. No one minded, and others had their beverage choices as well. When I felt that my blood sugar could be dropping, I opened my drink. The meetings generally weren’t that long, and if I ended up going a bit high, I could always fix that, too.

The best part of “avoid-a-low treatments” was often found in the candy jars around the office! 

In addition, I sometimes had to be concerned and aware of high blood sugar. Stress is a great motivator to push your blood sugar higher, and occasionally, this would happen as well. The one thing is that when I go high, I need to be careful not to over correct, and practice patience while waiting for the number to go down. 

I have generally worn a pump, so I kept additional supplies in my desk drawer, along with a pump charging cable. As far as the insulin, there was a small fridge nearby where I was welcome to use. In case I did have a problem with my pump, I always kept a syringe in my car and desk drawer. It never hurts to be prepared just in case. Likewise, my drawers were always full of snacks or juice in case any were needed. Luckily, there was also a kitchen and cook until 1:30 p.m. 

I feel very fortunate to have had employers who appreciated me, the work I did, and who never viewed T1D as a disability. Plus, they were always willing to help which is an extra benefit. 

Latest News

Read all
arrow
T1D Strong NewsT1D Strong DNA test got another award - Diabetes Center Berne Innovation Challenge

Diabetes Center Bern announced the Top 6 projects of the Diabetes Innovation Challenge.

T1D Team

T1D Team

T1D Strong NewsT1D Strong DNA test has been awarded at ADA 2024 conference

Our DNA test is selected as one of the finalists for the American Diabetes Association Innovation Challenge 2024!

T1D Team

T1D Team

T1D Strong NewsAchieving the Milestone - 100 Articles Published!

We're just getting started! Committed to empowering the T1D community, we continue to share knowledge and stories.

T1D Team

T1D Team

Read all
arrow

Related Articles

The latest news, technologies, and resources from our team.

The Breakdown on Birth Control and Type 1 Diabetes
Life with T1DThe Breakdown on Birth Control and Type 1 Diabetes
Heading to College with Type 1 Diabetes - What I've Learned
Life with T1DHeading to College with Type 1 Diabetes - What I've Learned
I Dared My Non-Diabetic Friend to Wear a CGM
Life with T1DI Dared My Non-Diabetic Friend to Wear a CGM
Celebrities with Type 1 Diabetes
Life with T1DCelebrities with Type 1 Diabetes
8 Surprising Things (besides carbs!) That Raise Your Blood Sugar
Life with T1D8 Surprising Things (besides carbs!) That Raise Your Blood Sugar
The Best Fast Food Options for Type 1 Diabetes
Life with T1DThe Best Fast Food Options for Type 1 Diabetes
Insulin Pens over Insulin Pumps?
Life with T1DInsulin Pens over Insulin Pumps?
The Bare Bones on Diabetes and Osteoporosis
Life with T1DThe Bare Bones on Diabetes and Osteoporosis
8 Tips for Traveling with Type 1 Diabetes
Life with T1D8 Tips for Traveling with Type 1 Diabetes
9 Common Myths with Adult Onset Type 1 Diabetes
Life with T1D9 Common Myths with Adult Onset Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes and Eating Disorders – The Dangerous Dual Diagnosis
Life with T1DType 1 Diabetes and Eating Disorders – The Dangerous Dual Diagnosis
Dating with Diabetes: Going Steady When Your Blood Sugars Aren’t
Life with T1DDating with Diabetes: Going Steady When Your Blood Sugars Aren’t
The A1C and Type 1 Diabetes: What You Need to Know
Life with T1DThe A1C and Type 1 Diabetes: What You Need to Know
Career Opportunities with Type 1 Diabetes
Life with T1DCareer Opportunities with Type 1 Diabetes
Diabetes Slang: IYKYK “If You Know You Know”
Life with T1DDiabetes Slang: IYKYK “If You Know You Know”
Choosing the Right Insulin Pump
Life with T1DChoosing the Right Insulin Pump
That’s my CGM, and I’m Sticking to it!
Life with T1DThat’s my CGM, and I’m Sticking to it!
Roller Coasters and T1D: How to Navigate the Ups and Downs of Theme Parks
Life with T1DRoller Coasters and T1D: How to Navigate the Ups and Downs of Theme Parks
The Rising Cost of Insulin in the United States – A Change is Gonna Come
Life with T1DThe Rising Cost of Insulin in the United States – A Change is Gonna Come
Diabetes and Suicide: The Silent Threat
Life with T1DDiabetes and Suicide: The Silent Threat
Lantidra: A Possible Cure for TID?
Life with T1DLantidra: A Possible Cure for TID?
Emotions and Rising Blood Sugar
Life with T1DEmotions and Rising Blood Sugar
The Sneaky Signs of Diabetes Burnout and How to Beat It
Life with T1DThe Sneaky Signs of Diabetes Burnout and How to Beat It
Load More
background image

Knowledge Base

Resources

Knowledge hub for advanced information on Type 1 Diabetes.

Learn more

arrow

I May Have T1D Rather Than T2D?

Understanding common queries and exclusive information about diabetes of any type.

Learn more

arrow

Life with T1D

Strategies to enhance lifestyle optimization with Type 1 Diabetes.

Learn more

arrow

Personal Stories

Life stories of relentless individuals fostering resilience and empowering others.

Learn more

arrow

Newly Diagnosed

Insightful guidance, strategic tips, and inspiring narratives.

Learn more

arrow

T1D Basics

Fundamental lifestyle suggestions for optimal nutrition, emotions and innovative routines.

Learn more

arrow

Daily Management

Revamp your lifestyle with our transformative guidelines for Type 1 Diabetes management.

Learn more

arrow

T1D Strong News

Stay updated with the latest from T1D Strong: product updates, company events, notable achievements and our future plans.

Learn more

arrow