Work and School

You usually do not have to tell your employer about diabetes. Sharing is your choice.

If you do share, you can ask for specific help. You might ask for short breaks. Those can cover a blood sugar check, a snack or a drink.

A manager or school staff member who knows can plan around those needs. Your doctor can help you work out what you need.

A desk is set up for diabetes care with a meter, a snack and a wall clock for a break to check. You can switch the room between an office and a classroom. Bindu works at the desk and reaches for each item as you tap it.

In the United States, a federal law can protect workers with diabetes. It is called the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA. It can mean small changes at work, like time for breaks.

The EEOC is a US office for fair treatment at work. It, or a lawyer, can answer questions about your rights.

Three steps: a US law can protect you, it can mean small changes like breaks, and the EEOC or a lawyer can answer questions.

Students with diabetes can have a written care plan at school. It lays out the student's specific needs and the help the school gives.

The school nurse usually leads diabetes care at school. Trained staff should also be ready to help. One or more backup staff should be trained too.

If you are a student or a parent, ask the school what the plan covers.

A child with diabetes and the same care plan clipboard in three places. At home, a parent has the care plan. At school, the school nurse has the same care plan, and an apple is ready at snack time. Before PE, a teacher is there as the child checks blood sugar with a meter.

Key takeaways

• Sharing your diabetes at work is usually your choice.
• In the US, the ADA can protect workers with diabetes.
• Students can have a written care plan at school.

Try it

Write down two times at work or school when a short break would help, and who you might ask.