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Jobs Diabetics Can Not Have

My question is, who has the right to say an insulin dependent diabetic will have poor control of their diabetes? Question is because I have recently found out my Type 1 diabetic son will not be able to join the military, become an astronaut, drive a tractor trailer, fly an airplane or become a police officer. My son may have 60 plus years of great control. He may have 60 years of poor control. But no one will know this until it happens. In every single job I listed above, you have drug addicts working in them positions. But they are disciplined when they have a positive drug test. So why can't the same be done with an insulin dependent diabetic. Who is to say they may have a low while on duty or while driving or flying? How can that be an assumption? Do these people truly believe every single insulin diabetic will have one or many lows in their diabetic lifetime while working? I can totally understand their reasoning, but who is to say they will have a low while on duty?
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Avatar universal
I have helped tons of people with type 1 diabetes be police officers, firefighters, truck drivers, underwater welders, and a whole slew of dangerous, difficult and interesting jobs. Call 1-800-DIABETES if you wonder what jobs you can do. I am glad to help.  

As of Mar., 2015, the only blanket bans are in the military, commercial pilots, and some secret overseas government positions. Even then, there are sometimes exceptions.
Helpful - 0
11376506 tn?1417664374
As a Mother to two type 1 diabetic boys, age 10 and 4, I would encourage everyone (at least, everyone on here that is in the US) to view this information from the American Diabetes Association.

www.diabetes.org > Living With Diabetes > Know Your Rights > Discrimination > Employment Discrimination - See more at: http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/know-your-rights/discrimination/employment-discrimination/law-enforcement-officers-and-diabetes-discrimination.html#sthash.ZKAnc51N.dpuf
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
(I'm a type one)
Say you get in the army,
Ok your proud, you get a title.
But then,
Your in the dessert with other 5 people lost.
You currently have a high blood sugar at the moment
And you run out of insulin.
Then it's a matter of time.
Thanks
Sam.
Helpful - 0
9498478 tn?1404144898
I am 17 almost 18 years old with type 1 diabetese. I know how your diabetic feels. I've felt the same way since i was 10. Maybe if your diabetic found another person who completely understands what its like to be a young adult with this disease he will find interest in his disease and will then gain a life long friend who can listen to his "diabetic rants".  Is there possibly a group of diabetics that get together in your area?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I became Type 1 when I was 16. It kind of wrecked my plans to get my SCUBA permit that summer because, at the time, my home state didn't allow it. It also botched my plans to join the military for scholarship money (Thank Dog! Has anyone seen "The Invisible War"?). So I had to work regular college student-type jobs, earn academic scholarships and take out student loans. The people commonly referred to as my parents didn't believe in assisting me in the pursuit of any degree, or anything, in any way.

They also focused on what I couldn't do... "Well, now you you can't be an astronaut... Now you can't join the military... Now you can't be an underwater welder... Now you can't exactly do much to get through medical school, can you?... " and on and on. They may or may not have realized it, I suspect that they did, and you may not either, but that negativity and focus on what one CAN'T do, is crushing to one's self-esteem. You may think that you're helping, that you're somehow "advocating", but true advocation is positive, not negative. Letting the Juvenile Diabetes Whatever, some other ADVOCACY organization or lawsuits initiated by the person with the condition do the work of making change... Not your vocal gripings.

Anyway, after a young lifetime of their crap, and the same echoed by my siblings, and their undermining and now their new form of letting me know JUST EXACTLY WHAT I COULDN'T DO, I made new goals. MY GOALS. I threw myself hard into academia, the arts and writing, discovered that I am a gifted visual artist and writer, got my SCUBA license when my state changed the law, became a tireless progressive activist for many years and a more easily tired one now, am currently working on a heavy-duty 2nd Bachelor's before I begin the pursuit of my Master's in Interior & Landscape Architecture, found people (including my first love from college, and now my awesome husband, when that first 13-yr relationship ended) who support me as a Type 1 with a litany of auto-immune disorders that grows longer every year (and PTSD, etc) and eventually, wrote off my entire bloodline.

I've worked for various non-profits for nearly the entire duration of my career. The work I'm most proud of, and that is far more admirable than murdering or forcibly "re-educating" people in foreign lands for oil, acquiring their land to run pipelines across or to destroy their culture/religion, has been working with adults and teens, and the occasional youngster, with developmental, physical and/or mental/Traumatic Brain Injury/psychiatric  disabilities. I've done everything from the grunt work of physical care, housecleaning and food prep to managing group homes, teaching art, cooking and physical activity classes, planned year-long goals & activities with clients to be presented at their annual meetings and attended/advocated at said meetings, met with my clients' doctors with them and spent countless hours in hospital ERs and rooms at their bedsides. I also helped one client in his 70s realize his dream of becoming Elvis by designing, sewing and decorating a flawless white polyester and royal blue satin jumpsuit, practice and perform his on-stage number and present his 90-something year-old mother with a rose and his Bedazzled satin scarf at the end of his performance. He earned a standing ovation and there wasn't a dry eye in the house, as most of the people there for this donors' event had known him and of his dream for years. And at that same  job, I created a spectacular holiday production utilizing the talents of clients who had never been included in any of these events before, with an amazing set, several dance numbers, comic interludes and 15 awesome costumes, including makeup & hair, that I designed, created and implemented myself. The parents, siblings and caregivers of the performers were so pleased that I received a letter of thanks and appreciation and a big fat bonus for bringing such joy to so many. One of the stars of the show, who'd been a client at that facility for over 15 years and had never once been asked to participate in a production, passed away only a couple of months later. His mother couldn't have been more appreciative that she was able to film her son's big debut just months prior to his passing.

I don't work in that field anymore. I made the mistake of trying to make changes that I thought, and still believe, necessary by beginning the climb up the beaurocratic ladder. One person not only can't make those changes alone, but is driven out. Ah, that is another story.

My point is that your child can do many amazing things. A lifetime of them. And maybe, like me, different types of things. Who knows where his journey will take him? But I can assure you that if you want to be witness to that journey, and you want it to be filled with a positive light rather than a negative darkness, you should stop complaining about what CAN'T happen and focus on all the amazing greatness that can. That's your job as a parent.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I became Type 1 when I was 16. It kind of wrecked my plans to get my SCUBA permit that summer because, at the time, my home state didn't allow it. It also botched my plans to join the military for scholarship money (Thank Dog! Has anyone seen "The Invisible War"?). So I had to work regular college student-type jobs, earn academic scholarships and take out student loans. The people commonly referred to as my parents didn't believe in assisting me in the pursuit of any degree, or anything, in any way.

They also focused on what I couldn't do... "Well, now you you can't be an astronaut... Now you can't join the military... Now you can't be an underwater welder... Now you can't exactly do much to get through medical school, can you?... " and on and on. They may or may not have realized it, I suspect that they did, and you may not either, but that negativity and focus on what one CAN'T do, is crushing to one's self-esteem. You may think that you're helping, that you're somehow "advocating", but true advocation is positive, not negative. Letting the Juvenile Diabetes Whatever, some other ADVOCACY organization or lawsuits initiated by the person with the condition do the work of making change... Not your vocal gripings.

Anyway, after a young lifetime of their crap, and the same echoed by my siblings, and their undermining and now their new form of letting me know JUST EXACTLY WHAT I COULDN'T DO, I made new goals. MY GOALS. I threw myself hard into academia, the arts and writing, discovered that I am a gifted visual artist and writer, got my SCUBA license when my state changed the law, became a tireless progressive activist for many years and a more easily tired one now, am currently working on a heavy-duty 2nd Bachelor's before I begin the pursuit of my Master's in Interior & Landscape Architecture, found people (including my first love from college, and now my awesome husband, when that first 13-yr relationship ended) who support me as a Type 1 with a litany of auto-immune disorders that grows longer every year (and PTSD, etc) and eventually, wrote off my entire bloodline.

I've worked for various non-profits for nearly the entire duration of my career. The work I'm most proud of, and that is far more admirable than murdering or forcibly "re-educating" people in foreign lands for oil, acquiring their land to run pipelines across or to destroy their culture/religion, has been working with adults and teens, and the occasional youngster, with developmental, physical and/or mental/Traumatic Brain Injury/psychiatric  disabilities. I've done everything from the grunt work of physical care, housecleaning and food prep to managing group homes, teaching art, cooking and physical activity classes, planned year-long goals & activities with clients to be presented at their annual meetings and attended/advocated at said meetings, met with my clients' doctors with them and spent countless hours in hospital ERs and rooms at their bedsides. I also helped one client in his 70s realize his dream of becoming Elvis by designing, sewing and decorating a flawless white polyester and royal blue satin jumpsuit, practice and perform his on-stage number and present his 90-something year-old mother with a rose and his Bedazzled satin scarf at the end of his performance. He earned a standing ovation and there wasn't a dry eye in the house, as most of the people there for this donors' event had known him and of his dream for years. And at that same  job, I created a spectacular holiday production utilizing the talents of clients who had never been included in any of these events before, with an amazing set, several dance numbers, comic interludes and 15 awesome costumes, including makeup & hair, that I designed, created and implemented myself. The parents, siblings and caregivers of the performers were so pleased that I received a letter of thanks and appreciation and a big fat bonus for bringing such joy to so many. One of the stars of the show, who'd been a client at that facility for over 15 years and had never once been asked to participate in a production, passed away only a couple of months later. His mother couldn't have been more appreciative that she was able to film her son's big debut just months prior to his passing.

I don't work in that field anymore. I made the mistake of trying to make changes that I thought, and still believe, necessary by beginning the climb up the beaurocratic ladder. One person not only can't make those changes alone, but is driven out. Ah, that is another story.

My point is that your child can do many amazing things. A lifetime of them. And maybe, like me, different types of things. Who knows where his journey will take him? But I can assure you that if you want to be witness to that journey, and you want it to be filled with a positive light rather than a negative darkness, you should stop complaining about what CAN'T happen and focus on all the amazing greatness that can. That's your job as a parent.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
As a type 1 diabetic myself, I find this rediculis. I have not had a seizure since I was 3, I haven't been above 275 for nearly a month and I can't even remember the last time I was low because I take care of myself and I actually pay attention to my body. I always wanted to be a police officer, but my dreams were crushed when I was told I can't because of the people who don't take care of themselves. I think this should be a person-to-person type of thing, since those of us who actually want to make something of ourselves deserve to be able to follow out dreams, and I very well intend to fight this.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
This is almost my exact life story; however, I only got diagnosed a year ago (currently 18), and I'm a female.  I just want to be happy.
Helpful - 0
4940325 tn?1363035357
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Those who issue licenses are the ones who have the right to exclude anyone who may be harmful to himself or others.  As a type-1 myself, I agree that it would be best to assess each person individually.  However, as a parent, I understand completely the need to keep potentially unsafe individuals from operating the kind of machinery that might accidentally kill someone else.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Who ever told you he can't be a cop is lying or misinformed... I'm a type 1 diabetic and in the process of joining the Boston Police Department in a few years and pursuing S.W.A.T. as a sniper (all things they told me I was NOT disqualified for b/c of my illness...). I've also spoken with government intelligence agencies about becoming a field agent and all they said was get a Master's degree with class time in courses that are geared towards intelligence and get experience...  It's possible. You just have to be willing to work for it. Having bad sugar numbers will hurt you both medically and in searching for a career... I was diagnosed in 08' and my life's dream was to be a marine sharpshooter... and I was a damn good shot at 13. It destroyed me for a few years but I got a grip and got over it. whining about it does nothing but weaken you... My goal now? to prove to the military that I'm a better shot than EVERY sniper they have and to get on with my life. living in sadness only makes you weak. find a hobby, find an alternative, find a purpose, and you will do great things
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I agree, but just to clarify, I believe it is only commercial pilot licenses that are not given to people who tak insulin.  I ran into the same thing several times in my life... I did very well on the ASVAB but couldn't be in the military.  Then, I became an accountant and wanted to be an IRS agent with the CID (mostly goes after bigger criminals, such as arms dealers) on financial crimes.  Unfortunately, I didn't qualify to be a federal agent.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have had type 1 diabetes for 22 years I am now 26 years old. my blood sugars are extremely controlled i check my blood sugars 6-8 times a day and watch what I eat but this doesn't mean that my blood sugar doesn't drop. any increase of stress or being scared or startled can drop my blood sugar immediately and my brain is no longer working properly basically turning into mush until my sugars return to normal. All this to say that some jobs are just not safe for us to do. Yes it ***** but the beauty of it is that there are so many jobs we can do and live a healthy life. I would never want a type 1 diabetic flying a plane or going to Irak to fight in a war, We already have to live and deal with this horrible disease. Keeping stress levels down and staying out of stressful situations is the best thing to do to keep blood sugars regular.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
  I found out I was type II at fifty ,and due to highs was switched to a type one
  At that time I was put on insulin. It was at that time they pulled my class
A licence, so I had to sell off the transport. I was also a carpenter framer
problem is working at heights ... well who knows! I could have a low .
I am in  top shape and have no other problems what so ever but
when I catch the sugar lows ,which I might add I can tell when they happen
at the point while its very slight. Just the same I would not trust 60000
lbs of steel crashing down on another car because of my health problems,I simply could not live with myself knowing I killed someone when it could be avoided.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You see, I've heard those statements in the past and they are rubbish.  The one that involves using a computer is the worst: anyone can learn how to use a computer or take enough training to meet the requirements for the job.  A type 1 diabetic cannot learn not to be a diabetic.  Furthermore, there are several positions, say in the military, that are non-combatant.  The argument against training a diabetic for these roles is it would be unfair for them to be automatically given preferential (and some would consider preferable) assignment.  However, what would be consider a annoyance to non diabetics who get assigned combatant roles in the military is no where near the heartache of being a diabetic and not even given any consideration.  It is literally like having a door shut in your face walking into a recruiting office and stating honestly that you are a type 1 diabetic.  You get the feeling that you are unclean in their eyes.  I highly doubt you are a diabetic if you take such a complacent stance to the issue.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My husband has had type 1 diabetes since he was 11 and he has been a diesel mechanic for 17 yrs. the only thing he has not done is get a insulin pump because of crawling into, under and around trucks.
Helpful - 0
2127039 tn?1335316462
I have had type 1 diabetes since 2007 when I was 12. Now I am 17 and I am looking for a career that is in Crime, such as a CSI or a Homicide Detective. I am wondering if these would be okay career  choices for a diabetic like me. I am still struggling with control, but I have an insulin pump and continually check my BG. Is there any tips on more ways to stabalize myself or information on diabetics and Criminal Justice Careers? Please post back and/ or e-mail me at this following address. Thank you so much, Kela.
K_rose1300***@****
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
As a fellow type1 diabetic (diagnosed 20 years ago), I suggest getting your blood glucose levels under better control before wasting money in court. I understand not all diabetics can feel when they drop below 90 or rise above 160, but that's no excuse for poor control. You have no room to complain if your blood sugar is showing up 515 at a job interview.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
This is in response to the initial post, I am a 20 year old type 1 diabetic and have been diabetic since I was 8, my dream was to be in the police force...still is...but for your sons sake you need to concentrate on the positive aspects of diabetes. I am currently training to become a diabetes specialist nurse as my 1st hand knowledge of the subject is better than any qualification and because of this allows you to connect further with patients. I also feel that I am a lot healthier because I have diabetes, I keep fit and never touch drugs, I feel that if I wasn't diabetic I would have been a bit of a wild child. Instead of seeing it is holding a person back see it as pushing them forward to a better life...this is not to say it is not difficult, but you begin to appreciate things more.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am 58, i was diagnosed with type 1 3 years ago. you go for a job and with out discriminating, you are dropped. employers are ether frightened or there insurance goes up. but some jobs you cant get though. perhaps in years to come things will change when a little more is known or a cure is found for kick starting the pancreas.I have a good control over my type 1, i lead a normal life, but work, well it is not that i don't want to work they wont employ me.
Good luck to lilbrat1528 in the future. Robert.

    
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi, I'm a type one diabetic for the past 15 years i just had a job interview today and i had to take a physical and by some bad luck my sugar was 515 and they denied me the job because of my sugar and the jobs a factory furnace operator I'm just wondering if this is legal or if i could take them to court.    
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
you know im 20 years old and i have type1 diabetes and i think the entire thing is crap i am fully capable of joining the army but will they let me no its my life and if i choose to do something ive been wanting to do for a long time im going to do it we only live once why not make it doing something you want to do well iot news for them if they ever get in the stuggle of needing ppl ima tell then no! cuz where were they when i wanted to join
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Most of these post's are lie's! ive been a type 1 diabetic since the age of 4 and it never stopped me doing anything, im a personal fitness trainer and a football(soccer) coach in Scotland. you could say im in better condition than alot of people in the military.

To the person who said diabetics cant scuba dive OR sky dive your facts are wrong! ive sky dived on many occasions and i actually used to work is Australia during there summer months on a boat that took tourists scuba diving and i used to get in the water quite alot!

there are some jobs that diabetics cant do like the military! or be in control or an aircraft! you also cant be in control of a vehicle that might put anyone elce at risk in the work place i.e bus driver and so on.

you can work in the emergency services like the police, firefighters and so on, you just cant be in control of the vehicle!

Dont let it hold you back, i love my life and if it wasnt for diabetes i wouldnt be as fit and in shape as i am today!!!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i am a 16 year old girl and have wanted to be in the military ever since i was a little kid. i was dianosed with type 2 diabetes at 16 months old. when i found out i couldnt be in the military when i was young and didnt really understand what it meant so my question  now is even though i am a type 1 diabetic can i still be a medic in the military?
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Avatar universal
Whether the diabitic person can be examined as fit to join the indian government jobs
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