“Can I work if I have diabetes?” This is one of the most commonly asked diabetes questions. Diabetes and work are topics most of the people with diabetes are interested in. And the answer is “Yes”. Many people can manage their diabetes without it affecting their work.
I have been working for 6 and a half years and I have undertaken different types of jobs. I regularly face stressful situations and most of them have a negative impact on my blood glucose level.
However, I learn how to deal with both of them. For this purpose, I do the following things:
I always take the medicine with me
Before going to work, I always put everything I need in a little pouch, so I can unzip and layout out my work surface.
I check my blood glucose level during the working hours
Every time I feel thirsty or I am hungry. I do that right at my desk or go to another place, such as an office with a closed door, a restroom, a toilet, or a kitchen.
I eat well during work hours
In order to avoid ordering fast food, I usually bring food to work so I have control over what I eat. I normally bring a chicken salad, rice, zucchini or peppers filled with rice and minced meat, оr fresh fruit. Sometimes I don´t have time to prepare my lunch for work. In that case, I order food from the local restaurants.
I talk with my boss and co-workers about my condition
Many people don’t understand what diabetes is and they don’t know how to treat it. That´s why I try to educate my colleagues about diabetes and learn how to recognize and help me when my blood sugar is low.
I hope that my experience will encourage you not to be afraid of diabetes. Also, I hope that will motivate you to talk to and educate your colleagues about this condition.
