Work & Diabetes

Plan for Success
Give yourself a smart start before your shift: Get plenty of sleep, don’t skip breakfast, and drink a glass of water before you head in. These simple self-care steps can lower your stress, which will keep blood sugar steady.

Bring Your Boss on Board
If it isn’t easy to take snack breaks on the job, or you don’t have a good a spot to store your insulin, it’s time to tell your employer about your needs. Be ready to explain diabetes in simple terms, in case he doesn’t know much about it. Ask your doctor for helpful aids or a written note on your behalf.

If the thought of telling higher-ups about your diabetes makes you nervous, read up on your rights so you can go speak with confidence. The law is on your side when it comes to asking for small changes that help you manage your disease. The boss can’t punish you for it. In fact, he’s required by law to meet any reasonable request that helps you do your job.

You don’t have to tell everyone about your health, but it can help to share. At least one person should know where your supplies are, what the symptoms of low blood sugar look like, and how to get you help if you need it.

From birthday celebrations, to morning doughnut runs, to candy jars, the office can be a hotbed of hard-to-resist sweets. Prep yourself for carb cravings. Keep healthy snacks in your desk. If you do indulge, go for small portions and keep a close watch on your blood sugar levels.

Plan for midafternoon sugar slumps. Fill a lunchbox with chopped veggies and hummus, keep protein bars on hand, or stash some healthy fats like almonds or walnuts near your workstation. You can also perk up with carb-free drinks like unsweetened iced tea or hot green tea.

If you work at a desk, find ways to build physical activity into your daily schedule. Set a timer to go off every 30 minutes, and take a short walk, even if it’s just up and down the hall. Do muscle stretches in your seat. Spend part of your lunch break walking up and down a staircase to get your heart rate up. Ask the boss about a standing or treadmill desk, if that’s an option at your office.

Always have the tools on hand to treat a low-blood sugar event. Store them in your desk, keep a special bag nearby, or ask your employer for a place to stash your supplies. Add a note that explains how your gear works, in case you can’t give directions.

Ask your doctor when you should test your blood sugar every day. It’s another good reason to get your employer up to speed: You may need to ask for a special time and space to do it.