Olympic athletes, police officers, lawyers, ironworkers, and every other type of profession includes someone who has diabetes. Diabetes doesn’t have to be detrimental to your career. You can take a few steps to make managing your diabetes at work easier.

Put it out in the open

Ideally, everyone in the workplace would be educated about diabetes and how it is managed. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. If you feel uncomfortable discussing your diabetes at work, try to at least tell one or two co-workers about the possibility of having a low blood sugar episode, what symptoms to watch for and how they can help.

Don’t be Afraid to Tell Your Boss

We recommend you tell your supervisor as well. You are responsible for making accommodation requests to your employer. It’s not required but it’s highly recommend you provide your request in writing. The request should describe how diabetes is considered a disability under the American Disabilities Act, list the accommodations you need, and explain how they will assist promoting a safe working environment and better work performance. Common accommodations include:

• Breaks to check blood sugar, eat, take medication or go to the bathroom.
• Ability to keep diabetes supplies and food nearby.
• Ability to test blood sugar and inject insulin anywhere at work. If preferred, a private area to perform these tasks.
• Leave for treatment or training on diabetes management. No penalty for absences related to diabetes.
• Opportunity to work a standard shift instead of a swing shift.
• For individuals with diabetic neuropathy, a nerve disorder, permission to use a chair or stool instead of standing.
• For individuals with diabetic retinopathy, a vision disorder, large screen computer monitors or other assistive devices.

Plan to check blood sugar and take medication

During the ebb and flow of they day, it can be difficult to stop what you’re doing to manage your diabetes. You can make it more convenient with a little planning. Consider putting everything you need to check your blood sugar in a little pouch you can unzip and lay out on your work surface. If you take medications, take them at set times during the day. Schedule reminders on your work email or set an alarm on your phone.

Also, try to eat at set times everyday. If you have a work schedule that simply does not allow for a fixed break or lunch time talk to your physician about adjusting medication. You may need a diabetes medication that is shorter acting or one that can only be taken when you eat. If you take insulin, you might not want to do an injection in front of your co-workers. As an alternative, consider using an insulin pen which is more discreet.

Eat well during work hours

The key to healthy eating is to plan ahead. Try bringing food to work so you have control over what you eat and aren’t tempted to order fast food, use vending machines or eat food that has been brought to share in the break room.Easy options for lunch and snacks include:

• Salad with grilled chicken
• Cheese sticks
• Yogurt
• Hummus
• Fresh fruit
• Nuts
• Raw vegetables with low-fat yogurt dip

Stay Active at work

Physical activity is one of most important parts of diabetes management. If you’re on your feet at work, activity is probably built into your day, but it can be harder if you have a desk job. Many companies are starting to care about employee health and are developing programs such as chair yoga or lunchtime walking groups. If your company doesn’t currently offer a program you may be able to organize something like a lunchtime walk group on your own. If not, get up during the day and move around as often as possible and take a walk outside if you can.

Take care of your feet

According to the American Diabetes Association, People with diabetes can develop many different foot problems. Even ordinary problems can get worse and lead to serious complications. To make sure your feet are in good health, practice good foot care at home. Wash and check your feet for cuts each day. At work, try putting your feet up when you are sitting and moving your toes and ankles up and down. Do this for five minutes every hour or so to keep the blood flowing. Also be sure to always wear comfortable shoes and socks or hosiery.

If you are prediabetic, diabetic, or just have questions about diabetes, give us a call at  662-282-4226. We’ll happily answer any questions you have and direct you to toward resources to help you manage your diabetes.

Diabetes occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, becomes difficult to regulate. Blood glucose is your main source of energy and comes from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps your cells use the glucose that you eat. If you have diabetes or have a family history of diabetes, there are some symptoms you do not need to ignore.

Confusion, Dizziness, Anxiousness

Confusion, dizziness, and anxiousness can be symptoms of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. People describe it as feeling anxious or nervous. Blood sugar that falls below 70 is too low. If left untreated it could cause you to pass out and require emergency medical treatment. If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, check your blood sugar. Is it less than 70? Eat 15 grams of carbs (4 oz of orange juice or 2 tablespoons of raisins). Wait for 15 minutes then check your blood sugar again. If you continue to experience symptoms, seek medical treatment.

Excessive Urination And Thirst

Excessive thirst and a consistent need to urinate could be signs that your blood sugar is too high. Over time, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can lead to serious complications such as kidney damage, heart disease, and nerve damage.

If you continue to experience episodes of high blood sugar, you may need to make lifestyle changes. Your medical care provider may also need to make adjustments to your treatment plan.

You can help prevent and treat high blood sugar by:

• exercising regularly
• eating a healthy diet
• taking your diabetes medications as prescribed

You need to seek medical treatment if your blood sugar levels remain high for a prolonged period of time. If left untreated, high blood sugar could lead to severe complications that need emergency care, such as diabetic coma.

Blurry Vision Or Pressure In Your Eyes

Uncontrolled diabetes can increase your risk for several eye conditions including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. If left untreated these conditions can lead to vision loss and eventually blindness. It’s important to have regular eye exams and report any concerns to your eye doctor between visits. If you experience a sudden change in vision or blurry vision, floaters, or pressure in your eyes, you need to see a medical professional.

Wounds That Don’t Heal

Diabetes decreases blood flow, and uncontrolled diabetes can result in poor circulation. This can prevent wounds from healing because nourishing blood cells can’t get where they’re needed. Wounds can turn into ulcers and sores that could become infected. And if they get serious enough, infections may require amputation. Regularly inspect your body, especially your feet, for cuts or bruises and treat them immediately, before they have a chance to worsen. See a medical care provider if your wound becomes infected or doesn’t heal.

Numbness in Your Limbs

Lack of circulation can cause nerve damage (Neuropathy) especially in your limbs. Diabetes complications can prevent you from feeling hot, cold and injuries to your feet. Always wear good fitting shoes, inspect your limbs down to each toe and the soles of your feet every day, and seek medical attention for problems that won’t go away.

If you are borderline diabetic, diabetic, or just have questions about diabetes, give us a call at  662-282-4226. We’ll happily answer any questions you have and direct you to toresources to help you manage your diabetes.