Here’s important information for those with diabetes disabilities. For people with diabetes, disabilities tend to be present at a higher rate than in those without. According to the book “Diabetes In America,” it is estimated that people with diabetes in the United States are two to three times more likely to have a disability than non-diabetics in the general population (http://diabetes-in-america.s-3.com/adobe/chpt12.pdf). While some can live normal, productive lives, others may experience complications such as nerve damage and mood swings due to improper glucose management. This may lead to the inability to participate in typical daily activities. Even when the diabetes is properly managed, a person may experience discrimination in the workplace due to misconceptions about their condition, or because they have special needs. Whatever issues diminish the quality of life may qualify as diabetes disabilities.
For Those with Diabetes: Americans with Disabilities Act and What It Means For You
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against any person with disabilities. This law covers private employers with 15 or more employees, and also state and local government employers. Most states have their own anti-discrimination laws, some which may apply to smaller employers. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission discusses the Americans with Disabilities Act. Diabetes patients need to understand how it relates to their condition. Issues addressed are: 1) when diabetes is considered a disability; 2) when an employer may or may not ask about one’s disabilities; 3) the kinds of accommodations employees must provide for those with diabetes; and 4) how an employer should handle safety concerns. According to the EEOC [http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/diabetes.html], diabetes is considered a disability when it “limits one or more of a person’s major life activities.” Diabetes may also be considered a disability if an employer perceives that an employee is unable to work due to their condition, even if that’s not the case. The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (passed in 2008) allows those who are successfully managing their diabetes to still be covered by the Act in cases of discrimination. Those with diabetes disabilities should carefully review the EEOC guidelines and also the ADA document itself [http://www.ada.gov/pubs/ada.htm].
Diabetes and Learning Disabilities In Children
A study conducted by the American College of Epidemiology found that in U.S. children under the age of 18 with diabetes, learning disabilities were twice as likely than in children without diabetes (http://www.annalsofepidemiology.org/article/S1047-2797(07)00337-7/abstract) . In a study of cognitive function in children with type 1 diabetes (http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/31/9/1892.full), it was found that pediatric diabetes correlated to somewhat lower cognitive scores, especially with regards to memory. However, there is some debate as to these findings, and the magnitude and pattern is not entirely clear.
