Endocrine and metabolic disorders

Diabetes Type 2

A condition where the body struggles to use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels.
  • enableDex
  • disAbility Atlas
      • Diabetes Type 2

About

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body doesn't properly use insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. It can affect how the body processes food for energy. It is often related to lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and weight.

This condition is often invisible.

Many disabilities, including this one, may not have outward signs—people can be significantly impacted even if they appear “fine” on the outside.

Common Challenges

  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Need for frequent breaks to manage blood sugar levels
  • Difficulty concentrating due to fluctuating blood sugar levels
  • Potential need for time off for medical appointments or treatment
  • Dealing with weight-related stigma or discrimination
  • Managing medication and insulin administration during work hours
  • Limited physical stamina in some cases
  • Stress from managing a long-term condition

Practitioner Help

  • Help with resume building to highlight strengths and skills
  • Support in identifying a suitable work environment (e.g., flexible hours, low-stress roles)
  • Assist with understanding and communicating needs for workplace accommodations
  • Provide advice on managing diabetes at work (e.g., keeping snacks handy, scheduling breaks)
  • Offer stress management techniques to handle job-related pressures
  • Guide in setting realistic career goals based on health and personal abilities
  • Encourage open communication with employers about health needs and limitations

Common Accommodations

  • Access to a refrigerator
  • Flexible work hours (for managing health conditions)
  • A private, comfortable space for medical treatments
  • Regular breaks or access to quiet rest areas
  • Flexible work hours or part-time schedules
  • Adjustments in workload to reduce stress
View more on enableDex

Notes

Williams Syndrome presents a mix of strengths and challenges. Leveraging verbal abilities while providing structured support for spatial tasks and sensory sensitivities helps individuals succeed in the workplace.

May is Williams Syndrome Awareness Month

Resources

  • Type 2 diabetes - symptoms, causes and treatment | healthdirect
  • Type 2 Diabetes | Diabetes Australia
  • Diabetes: Australian facts, About - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Endocrine and metabolic disorders

Help Us Improve the Knowledge Hub

This Knowledge Hub is a living library that relies on community feedback to stay current, accurate, and effective for everyone. We welcome all submissions, whether you've spotted an error, have an improvement idea, or want to suggest a new topic.

Report an Inaccuracy

Help us correct outdated information, broken links, or any factual errors you find.

Suggest an Improvement

Suggest an improvement to make an existing profile or resource much clearer.
submit feedback