Human resources and first hired conversations
Transitioning into the workplace can be a scary and challenging time.
Whether you are working while in school, transitioning post-graduation, or any time in between, there are unique challenges, but type 1 diabetes doesn’t have to complicate that transition.
Legal workplace rights for people living with type 1 diabetes
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) protects employees with disabilities in the workplace. If you have a disability, the ADA provides protection from job discrimination based on your disability. Type 1 diabetes is considered a disability under the ADA.
Regardless of ADA protection, an employee must satisfy employer requirements for the job (i.e. education, employment experience, skills, licenses). The employee must also be able to perform essential functions of the jobs with or without reasonable accommodations.
Common protections in the workplace include:
- Employers cannot fail to hire or promote you because of your diabetes.
- Employers cannot terminate you because of your diabetes (unless you pose a “direct threat”).
- Employers must provide you with reasonable accommodations that help you perform the essential functions of your job.
- Employers must not discriminate with regard to employer-provided health insurance.
Learn more about workplace rights from the American Diabetes Association.
Reasonable accommodations
Reasonable accommodations are changes or adjustments made to a work environment or job that will allow a qualified employee with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations should create an equal and accessible workplace for those with disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations should not have a financial consequence for you and these accommodations should be provided at no cost to you.
Common examples of reasonable accommodations in the workplace include:
- Additional breaks
- Resting area
- Private place to test blood glucose or administer insulin
- Ability to keep supplies and food nearby
- Modified work schedule
- Access to technology (e.g. smartphone for CGM readings)
- Unpaid leaves of absence
Be your own advocate
You are your own biggest advocate—no one else knows more than you do about your body. Advocating for yourself in the workplace with type 1 diabetes is important to ensure your health is a priority and you are safe. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself—ask for any accommodations you may need, educate those around you, and take care of yourself!
Handling T1D emergencies in the workplace
Emergencies can happen in the workplace, such as a high or low blood sugar. Often these come without warning and at the least convenient of times. Having a plan and being as prepared as possible can help prevent panic in the moment.
For example, choose a place in your workspace where you keep low supplies. Choose a fast-acting glucose source that works best for you and keep a stash of it in this area. Make sure this area is a place that is readily accessible to you and/or someone else in the event you send someone to get something for you. Regularly check your low supplies to ensure that you always have them when you need them.
Spreading awareness for T1D in your workplace will allow your managers and coworkers to be there to support you. If they don’t know, the situation could easily be overlooked.
Emergency rescue meds, such as glucagon, should always be with you as well. It is a good idea to keep this in the same area you’ve chosen for other emergency supplies. Make sure someone else knows where this medication is and how to use it.
