Working with diabetes

Legislation

If you’re looking for a job, be aware that as someone with diabetes, you are covered under the Equality Act 2010. This means you can’t be denied a job just because you have diabetes. There are a few exceptions to this, however, the armed forces are exempt from the Equality Act, and some ambulance trusts still restrict people with diabetes. 

This also means that when you apply for a job, anyone interviewing you can’t legally ask you about your diabetes before they offer you the job; the exception being if you have any issues that might prevent you from doing essential tasks; or if additional adjustments or assessments are likely to be needed. You may be asked questions if they are for monitoring purposes, aiming to improve access to jobs for people with disabilities or health issues. 

There are also some professions that need you to be physically qualified and certified before you can get the job, such as the emergency services and long-distance lorry driving. Your diabetes may not prevent you from getting these jobs, but it will have to be under very good control to ensure it doesn’t cause any dangerous situations. 

For the most part, however, you don’t legally have to tell your employer that you have diabetes and it’s entirely your decision if and when you want to share this information.

That said, it is a good idea to tell your employer at some point so that they can help support you if you have any issues while you’re at work.

You might also want to tell some close colleagues so that if you have a hypo at work, it means they’re less likely to panic and can help you if necessary. Explaining your condition to your colleagues might also mean more understanding about when you need to test, eat, schedule your meals and insulin doses or rest and recover from a hypo. 

Shift work

If you get a job that involves working night shifts, you may need to adjust your insulin dose. You should take any 24-hour insulin at your normal time and continue to take fast-acting insulin at mealtimes, which should still be about four hours apart.

If you take 12-hour insulin overnight or twice-daily insulin, you will probably need to change the times of these to keep them relative to when you sleep. Early and late shifts might also mean you need to tailor your insulin regimen. If you’re taking a job that is either more active or more sedentary job than your usual level of activity, you might also need to change your dose.

Discuss this with your diabetes care team, as they should be able to advise you how best to proceed.  Diabetes UK has some good resources if you want to find out more about this, either for yourself or for your employer or colleagues.