Diabetes occurs when the body cannot make use of the glucose in the blood for Diabetes can affect a person in many different ways. …
JANS ACCOMMODATION FACT SHEET SERIES
Job Accommodations for People
with Diabetes
Diabetes Mellitus is a disease that occurs when the body is not able to use
sugar as it should The body needs sugar for growth and energy for daily
activities, and it gets sugar when it changes food into glucose a form of
sugar A hormone called insulin is needed for the glucose to be used by
the body Diabetes occurs when the body cannot make use of the glucose in
the blood for energy because either the pancreas is not able to make enough
insulin or the insulin that is available is not effective
Diabetes can affect a person in many different ways A person can
experience eye problems; kidney, periodontal, and cardiovascular disease;
and nerve damage The following is a quick overview of some of the job
accommodations that might be useful for employees with diabetes For a more
in depth discussion, access JANs publications at
http://wwwjanwvuedu/media/atozhtm To discuss an accommodation
situation with a consultant, contact JAN directly
Hypo/Hyperglycemia Management:
Allow for storage of medications such as insulin,
and/or food
Supply an area to test blood sugar levels and administer medications
insulin
Provide appropriate containers for needles/syringe disposal
Provide a rest area for reorientation after hypo/hyperglycemic episode
Allow frequent breaks for food as needed
Fatigue/Weakness:
Implement frequent rest breaks, shortened work day, and extended work
week
Allow the reduction or elimination of strenuous activities and job
sharing
Provide anti-fatigue mats or padded carpeting
Provide rest area with cot
Provide stools and sit/stand workstations to alternate sitting and
standing
Vision Impairment:
If benefit from magnification, consider options to enlarge with
magnification devices or computer screen magnification software
If does not benefit from magnification, consider options for accessing
information through Braille, tactile graphics, or voice output technology
Provide a tape recorder, reader, easy access to work-site facilities
Allow a flexible schedule to use public transportation to and from work
Allow use of service animal for assistance with mobility
Dialysis:
Provide easy access to restroom facilities
Allow a flexible
schedule or time off for treatment dialysis
Nerve Damage:
Modify job tasks requiring fine finger dexterity
Provide protective clothing and equipment
Eliminate or reduce the need to use sharp objects
Cognitive Impairment:
Provide written job instructions when possible
Prioritize job assignments
Allow flexible work hours
Allow periodic rest breaks to reorient
Provide memory aids, such as schedulers or organizers
Minimize distractions
Allow a self-paced workload
Reduce job stress
Provide more structure
Stress:
Develop strategies to deal with work problems before they arise
Provide sensitivity training to coworkers
Allow telephone calls during work hours to doctors and others for support
Provide information on counseling and employee assistance programs
Other Medical Considerations:
Schedule steady shifts
Avoid temperature extremes poor circulation
Provide reassignment
Provide area to brush teeth to prevent periodontal gum disease
Continually evaluate safety hazards
Educate coworkers on emergency situation procedures
Resources Specifically for People with Diabetes
American Diabetes Association
1701 North Beauregard
Street
Alexandria, VA 22311
Toll Free: 800342-2383
AskADA@diabetesorg
http://wwwdiabetesorg/
National Institute of Diabetes Digestive Kidney Diseases
National Institutes of Health, Building 31
Room 9A04, 31 Center Drive, MSC 2560
Bethesda, MD 20892-2560
http://wwwniddknihgov
Updated 8/18/08
This document was developed by the Job Accommodation Network, funded by a
contract agreement from the US Department of Labor, Office of Disability
Employment Policy DOL079RP20426 The opinions expressed herein do not
necessarily reflect the position or policy of the US Department of Labor
Nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations
imply endorsement by the US Department of Labor
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Fact Sheet Series
Job Accommodations for People with Diabetes
Source:jan.wvu.edu
