Can you continue working with diabetes?
July 24, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Erika Keck
Dear Doctor,
my name is Johann Schäfer and I have been suffering from Type 2 diabetes for several years. In recent months, I have been struggling with health problems related to my illness. I am very worried about whether I can continue working despite my diabetes.
Currently, I work in an office job that also involves stress and high demands. Lately, I have been experiencing increased fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and dizziness. These symptoms occur mainly during work and affect my performance. I am afraid that my diabetes could have a negative impact on my ability to work.
Therefore, my question to you as a specialist in occupational medicine is: Can you continue working with diabetes? Are there specific measures or precautions that I can take in the workplace to protect my health and maintain my performance? What are the risks if I continue to work despite my diabetes?
I would greatly appreciate your assessment and possible suggestions for solutions to better assess my professional situation and take measures, if necessary, to maintain my health and ability to work.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Yours sincerely,
Johann Schäfer
Dear Johann Schäfer,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a specialist in occupational medicine. I am sorry to hear that you have been dealing with increased health problems related to your type 2 diabetes in recent months. It is understandable that you are concerned about whether you can continue working despite your illness and how you can protect your health in the workplace.
First and foremost, I want to emphasize that it is generally possible to work with type 2 diabetes. Many people with this condition have a job and can manage their workday well. However, it is important that you take your health seriously and take appropriate measures to maintain your performance.
First, I recommend that you work closely with your treating physician to achieve good control of your diabetes. Optimal blood sugar control is crucial to prevent complications and maintain your performance. You should also regularly monitor your blood sugar levels and be alert to warning signs such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and dizziness.
It is also important that you inform your employer about your diabetes. Your employer is obligated to take measures to protect your health in the workplace. This may include regular breaks for blood sugar monitoring and insulin injections, a healthy diet at work, and possibly adjustments to your workplace to reduce physical strain.
It is also advisable to have regular medical check-ups to detect and treat any complications early. Discuss with your doctor whether additional psychological support could be beneficial in dealing with the psychological stress of your illness.
In terms of possible risks at work with diabetes, it is important that you pay attention to warning signs from your body and take breaks if in doubt. Do not overexert yourself and take your diabetes seriously.
I hope this information helps you and that you feel better informed about your professional situation with diabetes. Please do not hesitate to contact me for further questions or for personal advice.
Wishing you all the best for your health and your professional future.
Sincerely,
Erika Keck
