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# JAN’S 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 JAN's publications at http://askjan.org/media/atoz.htm.  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 StreetAlexandria, VA 22311 Toll Free: (800)342-2383

AskADA@diabetes.orghttp://www.diabetes.org/

**National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases**National Institutes of Health, Building 31Room 9A04, 31 Center Drive, MSC 2560Bethesda, MD 20892-2560http://www.niddk.nih.gov

Updated 3/23/10. 

This document was developed by the Job Accommodation Network, funded by a contract agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (DOL079RP20426). The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor. Nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Fact Sheet Series

Job Accommodations for People with Diabetes