Working life

Enjoy a successful career

Apart from any legal restrictions concerning jobs (eg. driving a HGV), you should be able to choose work that you enjoy and do well. There is no reason why having diabetes should prevent you from having a successful career.

However, think about how control of your diabetes will fit into the demands of that job.

Irregular working hours

If you have a job with regular working hours, then it’s probably going to be easier to control your blood sugar. Regular hours mean you can plan ahead.
This doesn’t mean you can’t choose a job with irregular working hours, or shift work, but you will have to plan more carefully. You’ll need to think about things such as:

  • When will you eat?
  • When will you exercise?
  • Will you be able to adapt your diabetes treatment to your working hours?
  • You may find it helps to test your blood sugar more often.
    • If you have a job with irregular hours, you may find it helpful to discuss your treatment plan with your diabetes care team.

    Rights and responsibilities

    Workers who have diabetes, like all workers, deserve to be evaluated on their job performance. Your diabetes care team will be able to provide you with information about your employment rights.

    By knowing your rights and your responsibilities as a member of the work force, you should be fully able to pursue a satisfying career.

    Working life: A summary

    * Job satisfaction is something everyone, including people with diabetes, can strive for

    * Think about how you will fit your diabetes care into your working day

    * Plan your working life carefully, especially if you will be working irregular hours or doing shift work

    * Check out your rights and responsibilities

     

    Back to top

      INS/031/0809

    Last updated: August 2009