Working life

A job that fits

We’re all happiest if we’re in a job that’s just right for our interests, abilities and education. Luckily, having diabetes is usually no reason why you shouldn’t pursue the career of your choice.

When choosing a job

When choosing a job, it’s important to think about how control of your diabetes will fit into the demands of your working day. With certain jobs this may be difficult, but there are many jobs where you can keep up your insulin injections and blood glucose monitoring without this affecting your performance.

Restricted jobs

It’s true that some jobs may be restricted for people with diabetes. Jobs such as:

  • Hauling of hazardous materials or large cargoes
  • Transport of passengers
  • The armed forces or police work
  • Working with heights
  • Jobs involving the use of potentially dangerous machinery.
It’s worth finding out more about what, if any, restrictions apply to the kind of job you are interested in.

Enjoy a successful career

Apart from any legal restrictions concerning jobs, 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, before you choose a job, 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.

    Driving licence

    You may be interested in a job that requires a commercial driving licence. Many countries put more restrictions on commercial driving licences - for example hauling large cargoes or transporting passengers - than on licences for driving a private car. To find out more about where the UK stands on this issue, visit the Diabetes UK website.

    Your work place

    When deciding on a new job, think about your new workplace. These are some of the things to consider:

    • Is there somewhere for you to test your blood sugar?
    • Will you be able to have a snack if you need one?
    • Is there a co-worker who is willing to learn to recognise signs of hypoglycaemia and to help you if necessary?
    • With many workplaces, you’ll be able to answer ‘yes’ to all these questions. If not, can you take steps to help your employer adapt to your situation?

    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
    • Very few jobs are out of bounds, although a few may be for practical reasons
    • Think about how you will fit your diabetes care into your working day before you choose a job
    • Plan your working life carefully, especially if you will be working irregular hours or doing shift work
    • Tell your co-workers about your diabetes
    • Find a colleague prepared to help out if you develop hypoglycaemia
    • Check out your rights and responsibilities
    • Good luck in finding the job your really want!

     

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      INS/722/0107

    Last updated: May 2007