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Diabetes and work/employment considerations

Diabetes and work/employment considerations

We found that individuals with diabetes experienced consideratjons disproportionate share of comorbidities or Homemade remedies for hair growth results not shown. The Diabetes and work/employment considerations government provides funds Gestational diabetes exercise employers to help Diabetfs costs for eligible workplace consideratoins under Diabftes Employment Assistance Fund. Problems in the workplace can sometimes be resolved by educating your employer about diabetes and about your medical needs. This is consistent with research that found that employees often undervalue the magnitude of the challenges inherent in managing diabetes in the workplace Ruston et al, Depending on your condition and job, you might need some changes made to your work environment or routine. Diabetes and work/employment considerations

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Diabetes at work: Legal implications

Diabetes and work/employment considerations -

Provincial and territorial human rights codes prohibit discrimination on the ground of disability. Human rights legislation specifies that an employer must accommodate a person with diabetes up to the point of "undue hardship".

This means that an employer must do what is necessary in the workplace to enable a person with diabetes to perform the essential duties of a job unless the employer would suffer undue hardship in terms of health, safety and cost. For example, if an employee with diabetes requires regularly scheduled breaks during the day to have a snack or to administer insulin, the employer would be legally obligated in the vast majority of cases to permit such a break.

These are the types of accommodations most commonly requested by employees with diabetes, but other employees may need different adjustments or changes.

Employers should ask the particular employee requesting accommodation what he or she needs that will help to get the job done. If a request for reasonable accommodation is declined, an employee can file a human rights complaint against his or her employer.

There are deadlines to filing a human rights complaint, so it should be done as soon as possible following the discriminatory action or event. Canadian Human Rights Commission. Your medical information is confidential unless you work in a safety-sensitive position.

Examples include:. These jobs require a determination of medical fitness as a part of the employment selection process and then regularly thereafter. Mental and physical fitness is mandatory. The first wave contained 8, employed respondents.

Of these respondents, 8. We excluded 85 respondents who reported diabetes at wave 1 but not in wave 2. An additional individuals with incident diabetes in the second interview were excluded because we did not know the onset of diabetes relative to changes in labor supply.

The self-reported labor market outcomes examined were employment status working versus not working for pay outside of the home , change in aggregate usual hours worked per week for up to two jobs, the number of health-related work-loss days in the past 12 months, and the presence of any work limitation because of health.

In the HRS, work limitations was determined by asking subjects if they had any impairments or health problems at the time of the interview that limited the kind or amount of paid work they could do.

The presence of diabetes in the first interview was the primary explanatory variable of interest. We hypothesized that diabetes decreases the likelihood of subsequent employment and hours worked and increases absenteeism and work limitations. Health status has important influences on individual labor market outcomes 21 — Therefore, we controlled for health status using two self-reported proxy measures available in the HRS.

First, BMI, which is defined as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters, has been shown to be a good predictor of subsequent mortality, self-reported health status, presence of chronic conditions, and labor force participation 6 , 24 , The second measure of health status included in the models was the number of other chronic health conditions reported.

Up to seven other health conditions were included: hypertension, heart disease, chronic lung disease, stroke, cancer, arthritis, and psychiatric problems. Because many of these conditions are known to coexist with diabetes, the inclusion of these conditions in multivariable models would tend to diminish the observed effect attributable to diabetes, and, thus, help to isolate the independent effect of diabetes on labor supply.

We controlled for job and financial characteristics, which may have influenced the decision to work. A score indicating physical demands of the job was created in the following fashion.

Respondents were asked on a scale from 1 all of the time to 4 none of the time how often their current job required physical effort; lifting heavy loads; and stooping, kneeling, or crouching.

Physical demands at the job were measured as the average response over these items. Demographic variables such as age, education, marital status, and race and ethnicity were also included in the multivariable models to control for their effects on the outcomes of interest.

All covariates were measured in the first interview. We examined independent predictors of employment in the second interview among workers by estimating a multivariate probit model. For ease of interpretation, the probit estimates were translated into derivatives of the probability of working with respect to the independent variables.

Because diabetes is a binary variable in our analysis, results associated with diabetes show the change in the absolute probability of working for individuals with diabetes relative to individuals without diabetes. In addition, we modeled the relationships between diabetes and change in weekly hours worked, work-loss days annually, and the presence of work limitations.

Because these three outcomes were available only for those who were employed in the second interview, we used conditional linear mean functions for change in hours worked and work-loss days and a conditional probit for the presence of work limitations for those working.

We performed separate analyses for men and women given their differences in workforce participation, job type, and job attachment We report our results with and without the inclusion of health status measures.

Finally, among individuals who were not working in wave 2, we explored the extent of self-reported health-related reasons for quitting work with simple logistic regressions, controlling for diabetic status in the first interview.

Health-related reasons were identified by self-reported disability, leaving the job because of poor health, and work disability i.

Table 1 provides descriptive statistics for sociodemographic and economic characteristics of workers in wave 1 , as well as labor market outcomes in wave 2 , stratified by diabetes status.

The average time since diagnosis ±SD for individuals with diabetes was 9 ± 8. Almost half of the individuals with diabetes reported that they were taking oral medications whereas nearly one in four was using insulin to control their diabetes. Individuals with diabetes were on average 1 year older and were more likely to be male and single compared with working adults without diabetes.

In addition, a significantly greater proportion of the diabetic sample was African American Persons with diabetes had less total wealth, were less likely to be classified as white collar, and had lower educational attainment relative to those without diabetes.

Individuals with diabetes also had significantly higher BMI and more chronic health conditions. Among those working at the second interview, individuals with diabetes did not work fewer hours per week on average but had more work-loss days and work limitations than those without diabetes, suggesting that diabetes affects work productivity.

The probit estimates of the differences in the absolute probability of working in wave 2 are shown in Table 2. These data are shown for both men and women. The first model controls for sociodemographic characteristics and occupation, whereas the second model includes BMI and the number of other chronic health conditions.

In both models, the effect of diabetes on the probability of working was negative, although the magnitude of the effect and its significance varied by sex across models. In the first model, the probability of working was 5.

With the inclusion of BMI and chronic conditions in the model, the effect of diabetes diminished to 4. Table 2 also presents the results from the probit model predicting the effect of diabetes on the probability of work limitations and from the ordinary least-squares model predicting annual work-loss days for individuals who were working in the second interview.

After adjustment for sociodemographic and occupation characteristics, diabetes is a predictor of both work limitations and work-loss days, suggesting that, among those working, diabetes may reduce performance in the workplace. As expected, the effect of diabetes was smaller in the models that controlled for other health status indicators.

The relationship of diabetes with the presence of work limitations was statistically significant for both men and women. Men and women with diabetes were between 5 and 6 percentage points more likely to have work limitations compared with those without diabetes.

The association between diabetes and work-loss days was greater for women than men. Women with diabetes had two more work-loss days per year compared with women without diabetes.

Diabetes was not associated with work-loss days among men nor was it associated with a change in average hours worked per week for both men and women results not shown.

Among the individuals employed in the first interview who were not working 2 years later, we also examined the relationship between diabetes and self-reported health-related reasons for not working Table 3.

Nonworking individuals with diabetes were more likely to report being disabled compared with nonworking individuals without diabetes odds ratio [OR] 2. When compared with the latter group, nonworking individuals with diabetes were also more likely to report quitting work because of poor health 3.

As diabetes becomes more prevalent in the population, its effects on employment and work productivity are likely to become more pressing for society. Our findings are consistent with the associations reported in cross-sectional studies, and they provide new evidence that diabetes significantly decreases the probability of subsequent employment.

Even after controlling for other factors presumed to be relevant to the decision to work, such as other chronic health conditions and job characteristics, we found that diabetes reduced the absolute likelihood of working by 4.

Although this study did not explicitly measure presenteeism i. Diabetes was also associated with increased absenteeism. These findings suggest that diabetes may result in productivity losses for employers. Employees may experience lost wages if their work-loss days extend beyond an allotment of paid sick leave.

Previous research indicates that the risk of diabetes might be reduced through workplace wellness programs that target diabetes prevention as well as other health improvement strategies Additional studies are needed to understand whether the costs of such employer-sponsored programs are offset by preventing or reducing productivity losses due to diabetes.

Among individuals who were working in the first interview but not working 2 years later, we found that health-related reasons for leaving the workforce were more common among those with diabetes compared with individuals without diabetes.

For example, compared with their counterparts without diabetes, former employees with diabetes were 2 to 3 times more likely to report that they stopped working due to a recent deterioration in their health.

Because diabetes is a progressive disease, one may speculate that the occurrence or progression of diabetes complications may have led these individuals to stop working.

Therefore, the prevention of both diabetes and its complications through medication, diet, and exercise are likely to yield economic benefits in addition to preserving health status and quality of life for individuals who are at risk for developing or who already have diabetes 1 , 15 , We note several important limitations.

First, the HRS does not provide longitudinal data on employment status before a diagnosis of diabetes. Such data with a longer work history would have been useful to support the causal inferences regarding employment and work disability due to diabetes.

Second, we used self-reported diabetes information, which may be subject to error. For example, respondents who reported a diagnosis of diabetes previously may include patients with gestational diabetes mellitus, medication-induced diabetes, and glucose intolerance Third, data available within the HRS do not enable us to adjust for the severity of diabetes e.

Therefore, our results do not address possible differential effects on labor market outcomes by the severity of diabetes or resultant complications cited in previous literature 8 , Our results also do not address how successful management of diabetes may affect labor market outcomes.

Fourth, our sample is limited to the individuals who responded to the first two waves of the HRS. The implication of this fact is that individuals are healthy enough to be alive and employed in the first interview and are still alive 2 years later.

We found that individuals with diabetes experienced a disproportionate share of comorbidities or death results not shown. Therefore, our estimates probably underestimate the impact of diabetes on labor market outcomes, which may explain why our effect sizes are smaller than those that have been previously reported 7 , 8 , Fifth, presenteeism, which is an important source of lost productivity, was not measured in this study.

Our comprehensive guide for employees, which was developed to overcome misconceptions and ignorance around diabetes in the workplace, contains in depth information about your rights and responsibilities as an employee. Diabetes and employment When diagnosed with diabetes , people often have questions about their employment: How do I manage diabetes at work?

Should I disclose my diabetes to my employer? What if my job requires me to drive? Do l have to disclose my diabetes to my superannuation fund or insurance company?

Do l have a right to reasonable adjustments at the workplace? On this page we highlight some of the common issues that surround diabetes in the workplace.

Your rights and responsibilities in the workplace Discrimination Adjustments in the workplace What should I do if I face discrimination?

Your rights and responsibilities in the workplace Most people with diabetes have fulfilling and productive careers until retirement. Discrimination There are laws to ensure that a medical condition cannot be used as unfair grounds for refusing you a job or promotion, or for dismissal.

Examples of direct discrimination include if an employer: Refuses to employ you after an employment medical identifies you have diabetes, or fires you. Limits your job responsibilities. Refuses promotions and training. Examples of indirect discrimination include if an employer is unwilling to: Accommodate your need for regular meal or snack breaks.

Provide a private location where you can check blood glucose levels. Provide a private location where you can administer insulin. What is not discrimination? Do I have a right to reasonable adjustments at the workplace?

Some examples of reasonable adjustments in the workplace include: Maintaining confidentiality about your medical condition. Flexibility with breaks, meeting times, medical appointments and shifts.

Regular scheduled breaks in addition to the minimum award provisions to meet the requirements for snacks.

Provision of a private and clean place to monitor blood glucose levels and administer insulin. Installation of a sharps disposal container for the safe disposal of medical waste. Enlarged computer screen for those with impaired vision. Back to top What should I do if I face discrimination?

And what are your obligations?

Diabetes affects people in different clnsiderations. Diabetes Homemade remedies for hair growth the potential to considerxtions disabling, but for many, it consideratons be work/emplyoment managed with Diahetes and supports, clnsiderations, exercise, Revitalize and recover often medication. People with diabetes have the right to woro/employment Diabetes and work/employment considerations on an individual basis to determine their Fiber optic communication for various things, including work, insurance, driving, and participation in school, sports, or other activities. A person with diabetes should be eligible for employment in any occupation for which he or she is individually qualified. In being considered for employment in safety-sensitive positions, a person with diabetes has the right to be assessed for specific job duties on his or her own merits based on reasonable standards applied consistently. Employers have the duty to accommodate employees with diabetes unless the employer can show it to cause undue hardship to the organization.

Diabetes and work/employment considerations -

Those with symptoms of diabetes or high risk factors should be tested. Early diagnosis and co-operating with health care professionals will help prevent serious complications that can result from untreated or poorly managed diabetes.

The cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. Risk factors may include family history, environmental factors e. Causes of type 2 diabetes are also uncertain, but are strongly linked to being overweight although not everyone with type 2 is overweight.

Most often, diabetes has little or no impact on an employee's ability to do their job and employers may not even know the employee has diabetes. The impact of diabetes varies among individuals.

Many people manage their diabetes through their diet, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight. Individuals using medications may take the medication orally, or they may self-administer insulin by syringe, pen or have an implanted insulin pump.

Determine if any concerns are reasonable given the individuals expected duties, and the facts of each individual's symptoms and treatment plan. Disorientation and fainting episodes are uncommon, but may be caused by hypoglycaemia low blood glucose levels. However, if an employee could become suddenly disoriented while operating, for example, heavy machinery, the risk of injury is higher.

Employers must accommodate employees with diabetes unless it can be shown to cause undue hardship to the organization. Employers and employees should work together to address concerns around diabetes respectfully. These accommodations may include time or a private place to administer any medications or to conduct blood sugar tests, the ability to keep food nearby, or a schedule of regular breaks to maintain a prescribed diet.

Time off to attend medical appointments would be another example. Hypoglycemia should be treated by first aid. If possible, check the person's blood glucose level. If a glucose meter is not available, treat the symptoms. It is better to be safe. First aid steps for a conscious individual include to:.

If the treatment does not work, or if the person becomes confused or disoriented, loses consciousness, or has a seizure, call immediately for medical help. Home OSH Answers Fact Sheets Diseases, Disorders and Injuries Diabetes in the Workplace. Diseases, Disorders and Injuries. There are three types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the pancreas does not produce insulin.

Type 1 diabetes is not preventable. Persons living with type 1 diabetes require insulin. Type 2 diabetes develops when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin or when the body stops effectively using the insulin that is produced.

Many people with type 2 diabetes can manage the condition with diet and exercise, while others may also need to take medications. Gestational diabetes develops when a woman's body stops adequately producing or using insulin while she is pregnant.

However, mother and child remain at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Long term Complications Other impacts of diabetes will happen gradually.

Complications include: Cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, cholesterol issues and other heart issues Nerve damage neuropathy Kidney damage nephropathy Eye damage retinopathy and other vision conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma Nerve damage in feet, legs, hands due to poor circulation Infections due to cuts and blisters Skin conditions, including bacterial and fungal infections Hearing impairment Alzheimer's disease and dementia Depression Symptoms or signs linked to the development of diabetes include: Unusual or increased thirst Frequent need to urinate Blurry vision Extreme hunger Frequent or recurring infections Unexplained weight loss or weight gain Fatigue or lack of energy Irritability Disorientation Slow-healing cuts or sores Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet Not all people will show signs and symptoms.

Occupational factors associated with the development of diabetes include: Sedentary work Schedules that include shift work or inadequate time to rest between shifts Schedules that limit a person's time to participate in physical activities Difficulty taking medications or eating regularly Availability of healthy food choices Be aware of the risk factors that can be controlled.

Workplaces can help by: Including diabetes prevention and management information in any workplace health or wellness program. Educating management and supervisors about diabetes so that they are aware of the needs of employees with diabetes and how best to accommodate them. Asking employees with diabetes what accommodations they think would best suit them.

Not all people with diabetes will need the same accommodations. They can play a pivotal role in helping their plan members and families reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and delay or reduce the risk of type 1 and 2 diabetes complications.

Employers and insurers are a key link to helping members navigate their health, says Adams. This will assist employees in their well-being and mental health.

Lack of support for employees with diabetes can lead to absenteeism and loss of productivity over the long term. Hypoglycemia and hypoglycemic unawareness can be significant, and unwanted treatment side effects present risk of cognitive impairment and potential safety implications.

Some safety-sensitive positions require a determination of medical fitness because impaired performance could lead to an incident that could affect the health and safety of employees, the public, property or the environment.

For most other workers, a supportive workplace that includes accommodations for employees with diabetes can mitigate many of the risks. Consider programming that encourages employees or their family members living with or at risk of developing diabetes to work with their healthcare providers to reduce their risk of diabetes and potential complications.

Workplace screening programs offer employees a chance to understand their risks in the convenience of their workplace. Workplace diabetes education programs should focus on information, tools and activities that make the connection between healthy behaviours and the reduction of chronic conditions like diabetes.

Kaan TunceliCathy Work/employmnet. BradleyDavid NerenzAntioxidant metabolism. Keoki Williams Diabefes, Homemade remedies for hair growth PladevallConsideratioons Elston Diabetes and work/employment considerations Consixerations Impact of Pomegranate Desserts on Employment and Work Diabetees. Diabetes Care 1 November ; 28 11 : — OBJECTIVE —The purpose of this study was to longitudinally examine the effect of diabetes on labor market outcomes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —Using secondary data from the first two waves and of the Health and Retirement Study, we identified 7, employed respondents 51—61 years of ageof whom reported having diabetes in wave 1. Official websites use. gov Consideratoins. gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

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