Text Only

Diabetes

Definitions

Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. There are two main types of diabetes. These are:

Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin dependent diabetes.
The body is unable to produce any insulin. This type of diabetes usually appears before the age of 40. It is treated by insulin injections and diet and regular exercise is recommended.
Type 2 diabetes, also known as non insulin dependent diabetes.
The body can still make some insulin, but not enough, or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance). This type of diabetes usually appears in people over the age of 40, though often appears before the age of 40 in South Asian and African-Caribbean people. It is treated by diet and exercise alone or by diet, exercise and tablets or by diet, exercise and insulin injections.

While there are a few jobs that people who require insulin treatment are barred from, providing the condition is being controlled, there is no reason the vast majority of employment options should not be open to anyone with Diabetes.

Things to consider

With the exception of the jobs which have legal restrictions for people being treated with insulin (Emergency services, Armed Services, some jobs involving flying), there's no reason why somebody with Diabetes shouldn't be able to do most jobs just as well as if they didn't have the condition. In fact, most people who have their condition under control will have developed a responsible attitude and good time management skills.

Resources

GO Wales is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Diabetes UK
a site with good background information about the condition. Their catalogue of publications includes a leaflet about employment which can be purchased from the site.
Diabetes Insight
A site focussed on living with Diabetes, including an online community.
Techdis
This site contains an extensive database of adaptive technology solutions for a range of disabilities.