About this profile
Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is needed to control blood sugar levels.
People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin for life to manage their blood sugar levels.
Common challenges
- Frequent medical appointments for managing the condition.
- Need to monitor blood sugar levels regularly, which may interfere with work.
- Fatigue from managing the condition and potential low or high blood sugar levels.
- Increased thirst and water intake needing more bathroom breaks.
- Increased risk of workplace injury due to fluctuations in blood sugar.
- Difficulty managing stress, which can affect blood sugar levels.
- Fear of experiencing hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) while at work.
- Possible discrimination or misunderstanding about the condition.
How to help
- Help the participant create a job search plan that takes their health needs into consideration.
- Support the participant in communicating their needs to potential employers, focusing on how they manage their diabetes effectively.
- Offer guidance on how to request reasonable accommodations in the workplace.
- Assist with resume writing and preparing for job interviews, ensuring confidence in explaining the condition if necessary.
- Encourage self-management skills to handle the physical demands of work while balancing diabetes care.
- Provide resources for understanding workplace rights and responsibilities.