Diabetes and employment

Diabetes may be misunderstood and feared by some employers. If you are the right person for the job in all other respects, it is important that you can show that having diabetes will not make a difference to your work. To show this, your diabetes will need to be well balanced and you must be able to adjust your treatment to fit your working life. You may find you need specific advice in relation to your work. Whether or not you have diabetes it is important that you apply for jobs for which you are qualified and for which you feel suited. Employment and career opportunities are affected by how your diabetes is treated.

How will my diabetes treatment affect my choice of job?

If you are treated by diet alone or diet and tablets, most occupations are possible providing you do not have diabetic complications.

If you are treated with insulin the occupations that you cannot enter at present are:

The police service
The fire and ambulance services
The armed forces and merchant navy
The prison service
Train driving
Airline pilot, air traffic control and cabin crew (on some airlines).
Driving large goods vehicles or vehicles carrying the general public (buses).
Some local authorities have a ban on cab or taxi licences.
Any job with the post office that involves driving.
Working offshore - including catering on channel ferries or liners for example.
Coal face work.

In some of the above occupations, if you are already employed when you develop diabetes it is sometimes possible to continue. It is important to check carefully if you are changing from tablets to insulin.

If you are treated with insulin, shift work in general and changing shift patterns in particular are made less difficult if you have a flexible insulin regime and do regular blood tests. Pre-planning will be needed and your diabetes clinic can give you help and advice. The British Diabetes Association (BDA) believes that everyone should have an equal opportunity to apply for employment and each person should be treated on their own merits. They are actively working to challenge any unfair employment regulations so the previous list may change. Ask for up-to-date information from your diabetes clinic or the BDA.

What should I say about my diabetes?

Mention your diabetes on your application form if there is a health question. "Insulin dependent diabetes" or "diabetes well controlled on diet and tablets" is enough.
At an interview discuss your diabetes only in relation to the work you will be doing. Long explanations about diabetes are not necessary. Employers are only interested in whether your diabetes will cause you to take time off sick or if you may suddenly "black out".
Stress the positive side of diabetes whenever possible. Emphasise the fact that people with diabetes need to be aware of time, are used to routine, encouraged to follow a healthy lifestyle and have a thorough medical every year. Looking after your diabetes requires a responsible attitude that is obviously useful at work.
If you do not mention your diabetes and it is discovered later, this can increase suspicion of the condition by an employer and may also cause questions to be asked about your honesty.
It is wise to tell your colleagues about your diabetes so they will not be puzzled if you start eating chocolate in a hurry and will understand if you need any help.
Don't expect concessions or special treatment at work but do take sensible steps to prevent your diabetes from creating problems for you or anyone else.

What should I do if problems arise at work?

Take steps to solve the problem yourself. Talk to your manager. Have discussions with any occupational health staff and/or contact your diabetes doctor or nurse. Consider contacting your union representative if appropriate. Contact the BDA Diabetes Care Department sooner rather than later.

Try not to see your diabetes as restricting your job prospects.