Hi Michelle, it's Fun2Dream from DM :) I just started a new job, and the way I deal with it is, I just don't hide it. I take my bloodsugar, adjust my pump, etc, and if it comes up in conversation or if someone asks about it, I talk about it. I feel like if I don't make a big to-do about it, but still take it seriously, everyone else will too. I've had the big D for 21 of my 27 years of life, so maybe it really does just become second nature. But, I think if you just make it part of your life, everyone else will think of it the same way.

In my past two jobs I have been very candid on my first or second day (after my offer letter and other paper work is taken care of). I've gone into my supervisor's and/or co-workers offices and just said, "I just want to let you know that I am a Type I Diabetic and that I will always have sugar in my desk drawer should I ever start acting funny. I have never had a problem where this had interfered with my work, but it's important that the people I spend 8+ hrs. a day with know just in case there is ever an emergency. If you have any questions about my diabetes I'm happy to answer them any time."

People have always respected me for being open about, especially because it would be important for them to know in an emergency. I've never gotten any negative response.

Good luck in your new job!

I've always told my boss and peers on the first day. One time, my boss replied that he was type I as well! I'm now often a manager, and I tell my team at my first staff meeting.

I work as a GED instructor. I disclose to new employers - most are understanding. I also answer questions that my students have when they see my pump or testing devices. I have found that I can help educate students about diabetes as well as GED. Most folks I work with know someone with or have diabetes.
I often refer to myself as an "out of the closet" diabetic!

Hi Michelle -

Congratulations on your new job. I'm also Type 1 and a senior human resources manager. I think all of the advice posted is pretty good.

In particular, I favor just managing your diabetes the way you always have in your current work space. You have nothing to hide. Stick your finger, test your blood, etc. in view of your co-workers and/or managers. When you catch them looking at what you're doing or if they should ask what you're doing, then just let them know. More important than telling your manager is telling your co-workers and letting them know about what to do should you start "acting peculiar." It's also a great way of keeping the gossip mill from starting: "gee... that new girl goes to the rest room a lot," and "I think I saw a needle in her purse!" aren't things you need to deal with.

Good luck in your new job, and your new state. Make sure that making new friends is a top priority.

Peace,
Dan

I am very open about being diabetic. My work associates see me check at my desk and also see when I take my shots. I refuse to let diabetes alienate me from friends or co-workers. Be proud, it is part of who you are. I tell my co-workers what signs to look for if I am low or high and make sure everyone knows where the emergancy candy is. Nobody makes an issue about it and they even provide sugar free snacks at the office parties. Your office should be like family.

I know for a fact under ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) you do not have to disclose the fact that you have Diabetes to your employers. Although you may feel free but they can not do anything for instance demote or fire you.

This is in response to mandy32. I would like to clarify your response about being diabetic and being demoted/fired. Be aware that if you have any problems with your diabetes, that the above statement may not be true. I suggest that everyone get a copy of the ADA Handbook and read it through. When I received the handbook, it was too late for me.

Hi Michelle, jlptravel here, I have had Type 2 since 1995. I work as a "temp" and have several assignments/managers each year. On my first day on an assignment I inform my direct supervisor that I am diabetic and then put a jar of emergency candy on my desk. On the wall of my cubical I put a small poster indicating what to do in case of a HI or LOW sugar emergency. It also states where to find my blood meter. I have not had anyone react badly to me being upfront and forthright about my diabetes...better they should know than not know. Best of Luck.

At first I did not bring it up. After I began to develop relationships with folks I picked two people that I felt I could trust. It wasn't so much about keeping a secret but choosing people I thought would be able to handle a low blood sugar situation.

After that I am straight forward when people ask about my obvious diet and exercise regimes. It usually comes out when someone brings cupcakes. What normal person doesn't eat a cupcake (or two). Not me. I usually decline because of diet but when folks insist, I will tell them it is because I am a diabetic.

I have found that if you deal with it in a matter of fact way that people are generally considerate, thoughtful, and respectful without being overly careful. Now they insist that I cut a slice from the cupcake, no matter how small, and eat with them. The smaller the slice the more fun they have at my expense.

People respond based on the energy you give off about your diabetes. If you act fragile and sensitive, thats how you get treated. If you take care of yourself, are straight forward, you'll be treated as a part of the team but the one with diabetes.

I love it when they give me a hard time. It's also great, after a long day, or a busy rush, when a team member asks me if I've eaten or tested lately.

Congratulation on your new life! A new job, new friends, new city---how exciting. I see this as an opportunity for you to find a new you! Look for a diabetes support group (try try looking through a local hospital). I am also a diabetic who works in the physical fitness field--I absolutely need my condition known at the front desk if I have an unstable day (low blood sugar or yo-yoing blood sugar). I just walk in and tell the person at the front desk, if it is someone who doesn't know I figure it is good because we have gym clents who have diabetes and the front desk person would be the one to handle emergencies anyway. Also, I am alone in the back of the gym in the pool area with students so there is no one except the students watching me, so I tell them when it is a bad day and just restrict my activities as directed by my doctor. Because I work in a field that can aggravate my low's I must be open about this issue because my life could depend on my level of comfort with this issue. Think of it this way--it is your life, you have emergency personnel available ONLY if you disclose your condition, and you have legal protection, and since a lot of people don't know subtlies about the condition they are scared enough to be more likely to call for help than not. Good luck at your new job, and take some encouragement that I have never been met with any problem about the condition. Cindi