Work Advice
If you're employed, you have to balance your diabetes with your working life. For example, working odd hours at your job may require you to make adjustments in your meal plan. Frequent travel and changing time zones may require you to adjust your insulin dosage. You may also have to deal with issues such as deciding who at work needs to know about your diabetes. And so on.
Your Schedule
It's easier to manage your diabetes if you work regular hours. Jobs that require you to work a variety of shifts can make things a bit more challenging, but as long as you're monitoring your blood sugar levels, you should be fine. You can have diabetes and an unpredictable work life.
Long-Distance Travel
Many jobs require travel. If you're traveling by car, you'll have to choose your meals carefully. If you're flying, you may want to order a special low-sugar, low-salt, low-fat or low- cholesterol meal. If you're flying across time zones, you may have to reduce or skip a dose of insulin, or add an extra dose of insulin. You'll also need to gauge your arrival time and what will happen upon arrival. Will you be immediately rushing to a business meeting? Will you be checking into a hotel and have some time to regroup? Planning ahead is the key.
To be safe, pack twice as much insulin and/or blood-testing equipment as you think you'll need. And be sure to pack these supplies in your carry-on luggage.
Travel can be unpredictable and draining. Frequently self-monitoring your blood sugar levels will help you deal with the challenges of travel and will help you make any adjustments needed.
Who Should You Tell?
You must decide for yourself whether to tell your employer about your diabetes. But being open about diabetes can be positive in many ways: you can dispel any incorrect notions about diabetes. If you take insulin, you can teach your co-workers how to recognize and/or treat hypoglycemia. And, if anything diabetes-related happens to you, your boss will probably be more understanding knowing about your diabetes in advance of any complications. It's better to be open than to make your employer feel you're hiding something. Also, telling your employer about your diabetes is the only way your rights can be protected by The Disability Discrimination Act (1995).
Job Hunting
You certainly don't have to tell a prospective employer that you have diabetes. Some employers may fear that diabetes will interfere with your job. If you do tell them about your diabetes,
- Don't act like it's a problem, and don't ask for special treatment, either.
- Know your rights ahead of time.
- Clearly explain your condition, your level of control, and anything else that may be relevant.
- Keep excellent written records of your job search at every step. Write down the names of people who interview you, make notes of your conversations with prospective employers, etc.