Jobs for Diabetic's.

Rob43 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-21-2003, 05:19 PM

Hi, I was told today by my doctor that some jobs are not for people with diabetes. Example Airline plots or driving heavy machinery or policeman. Have any of been told by your doctor what you cann't do?

Thanks, Rob43

zookeeper671 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-21-2003, 05:30 PM

Hi Rob~

I'm a former EMT who let my certification expire when I decided to become a full time domestic goddess. Since being a domestic goddess doesn't pay well, I've since gone through retraining and am currently completing my internship with different fire stations and an ambulance company.

I only pray that after I receive my national recertification I'll be able to get a job in the field. When I was hired years ago with an ambulance company, I hadn't yet been diagnosed T1.

My doctor has stated that as long as I take care of myself, there's nothing that should hold me back from achieving my goals. Let's hope the fire dept. feels the same way.

Best wishes,
Angie

lgvincent · #3 (**permalink**) 11-21-2003, 11:18 PM

I know a man who worked for many years with Norfolk Southern Railway and he said he knew of only one person who was able to keep his job after developing the disease. He developed heart trouble and didn't loose his job but the medication he took caused him to develop diabetes and after that, he lost his job too. I believe he had worked for them around 38 years.

David · #4 (**permalink**) 11-22-2003, 04:43 AM

>>>" Example Airline plots or driving heavy machinery or policeman. Have any of been told by your doctor what you can't do?"<<<
My doctor (at the time) told me that 30 years ago, but things have changed. If you have good control, most jobs are open to diabetics.
I worked in the construction trades for many years. I operated heavy machinery. My present job involves alot of driving. Interstate truck-driving wasn't allowed, but its permitted now if you're well controlled. I know a T1 who's a deputy sheriff and have heard of others in law enforcement. 30 years ago T1's were blanket-banned from getting pilots licenses, but can now, if they have good control. I don't know of any T1's who are airline pilots (yet).
Good control is the common thread. Your doc will have be willing to sign a statement that you're in good control. Saying what he said, it doesn't look like he's willing to do that.
David

Rob43 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-22-2003, 06:27 AM

Hi, What makes it worse for me also is I'm on blood thinner. My doctor said about jobs I cann't do for diabetic's and jobs for people on blood thinner I cann't do a job where I could get brused or cut. My blood must between 2.5-3.0 INR. I will be on the blood thinner for life. My doctor's are against me having a motorcycle or working in my skilled trade because of the danger of getting hurt or brused. They are telling me to go back to college and learn a diffient job at 43. Employers don't like to hire people with medical problems. They hire mainly young people out of college.

Rob43

snydermom · #6 (**permalink**) 11-23-2003, 03:48 AM

Domestic Goddess?????? I'll have to try that one!

zookeeper671 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-23-2003, 08:39 PM

snydermom~

As for being a domestic goddess... it has it's drawbacks. lol

One day my mother came for a visit and I took her out to dinner. I could see she was really enjoying what she was eating, so instinctively I said, "it's gooood, huh!" in a goofy tone of voice.

It was at that moment that I realized I'd been spending WAY too much time at home with my pets.

You see, when my dog is eating, he'll occassionally glance up at me and I'll say to him "it's gooood, huh!"

Best wishes,
Angie

Collette · #8 (**permalink**) 11-26-2003, 01:35 PM

LMAO @ Zookeeper!!

bfitz · #9 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 01:04 PM

Does anyone know of any privacy issues regarding this? I've never had to disclose diabetes for a job. I certainly didn't check the box on my drivers license application. I didn't like the thought of having some restriction and didn't think they had a right to ask. If I thought I was being discriminated against I'd sue, if I thought disclosure would lead to discrimination I'd lie.

Joeprep4820 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 01:16 PM

Diabetics still cannot drive trucks, fly planes, or join the military, and there are probably other things as well I cannot think of at the moment.

Since I was 3, I wanted to be a Naval aviator like my father and grandfather, and go the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, like both of them did. My father retired from the Navy as a Commander when I was young, and he took up a job in Jew Jersey at Lakehurst, a Navy base. I would visit him at work sometimes and I would often play on the Navy's F-14 and F-18 simulators, the ones that do everything except take you up in the air. I was fully proficient in flying an F-14 by the time I was 14, and almost proficient with an F-18.
In high school I was a good student with a 3.75 GPA, was taking AP classes, and was a varsity athlete in golf and field events. I knew I would never be a pilot by this point, but I thought that I could still be an officer for the Navy. I went to visit the Academy and stayed with my cousin, and was interviewed by an officer there, who found out I was a diabetic by accident, and he was the one who told me the bad news that my dream would never be fulfilled.

Joeprep4820 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfitz

Does anyone know of any privacy issues regarding this? I've never had to disclose diabetes for a job. I certainly didn't check the box on my drivers license application. I didn't like the thought of having some restriction and didn't think they had a right to ask. If I thought I was being discriminated against I'd sue, if I thought disclosure would lead to discrimination I'd lie.

I never disclose it either. They cannot legally ask you unless it is a specific type of job where they would check anyway. They can discriminate, however, without you even knowing, and this is why I never disclose it.

70sFan77 · #12 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 01:35 PM

Can Diabetics become electricians?

Joeprep4820 · #13 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70sFan77

Can Diabetics become electricians?

I know they can for a fact. Most jobs are open to Diabetics; it is only a select few that aren't.

plattb1 · #14 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 01:46 PM

Rob, most police departments don't screen for D. I previously worked for a municipal police department in SC & personally knew three PWD - two with T1 & one with T2.

RobertIA · #15 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joeprep4820

Diabetics still cannot drive trucks, fly planes, or join the military, and there are probably other things as well I cannot think of at the moment.

You are correct on all points. The Department of Transportation has some very specific regulations for anyone that is insulin dependent. They cannot drive commercial vehicles, be a member of a train crew, drive a passenger bus, or fly an airplane. When applying for these jobs, don't even consider not disclosing this information, if you are found out later, you will be terminated immediately and at present, will lose right to drive a vehicle of any type, be blacklisted (legally) from many jobs and possibly lose more rights and insurance coverage as a result. I know there can be further fallout from this, but have not encountered them.

No, this did not happen to me, but as safety director for a trucking company until retirement, I have seen what can happen and have been involved in several terminations. And DOT spells out what can be disclosed when this happens. Not good for those violating the regulations. Heavy fines for the Employers and employees.

Currently in the trucking industry, taking oral medications will not disqualify a driver, but closer attention is paid to the physical exam and many do get out immediately when they become insulin dependent. They are able to work like me as safety directors, recruiters, and other non-driver positions.

Bob