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Why You Should Tell Your Employer You Are Diabetic

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Why You Should Tell Your Employer You Are Diabetic

The word “diabetes” is a loaded one. Increasing numbers of news reports are detailing the diabetes epidemic worldwide, and chances are that you know someone or are someone with diabetes. Unfortunately, there continues to be a lot of misinformation about diabetes, and people who have the condition may be regarded as lazy, poor eaters, or other negative stereotypes that do not describe them at all.

It is for this last reason that you may, as a diabetic, be wary of disclosing your condition to your employer. In a time when health status is often assigned a moral implication, admitting to having a chronic illness can be daunting. Fortunately, if you have diabetes, you are protected from being fired for your condition, and the pros of informing your employer far outweigh the cons.

#1. In Case of Emergencies

If you have a drastic blood sugar spike or crash, your ability to work may be impaired. If your employer (including your supervisor) know about your diabetes, they may be able to get you the help you need more quickly than if they must guess at what’s going on.

This is also true of your coworkers; whether you work in an office setting or you are a cafeteria worker, letting your coworkers know your condition gives them the information they need to help you quickly and effectively should an emergency arise.

#2. To Ensure Protection

Your employer cannot provide you with all of the amenities and allowances due to you as a person with a chronic illness if they do not know about said illness. It might be difficult to divulge something of your private life, but doing so can make all the difference in terms of having legal rights.

#3. To Explain Absences or Appointments

You may require visiting a doctor more often than the average person, which may need to be
explained to your supervisor. This is particularly true of people who work 9-5 jobs, as these jobs often match the same hours as doctor’s clinics. While it would likely not be perfectly fine to excuse yourself from work for a few hours once per month for personal reasons, having a medical condition changes the game.




#4. To Assert Yourself and Your Condition

Some days are better than others for individuals with diabetes. Some days, your condition will drastically affect your work performance, and other days, you will be as productive and energetic as anyone else around you. Lest your employer think you are simply slacking off, you can tell your employer up front about your diabetes, and explain the possibility of having off days. This will empower you to do the best you can on the job, without fearing termination or disciplinary action.

Ultimately, whether you tell your employer about your diabetes is your decision. If you do not feel comfortable or safe doing so, you do not necessarily have to. The benefits of keeping those around you informed, however, far outweigh the hazards of keeping them in the dark.

References

ADA (1). Accessed 8/13/17.

ADA (2). Accessed 8/13/17.