If you were diabetic and looking for a job, should you tell the prospective employer of your condition?

Question

I have lost 2 jobs b/c of being diabetic, and now since working thru a temp agency, I was offered a permanent posistion. After telling personel that I was a diabetic they decided to hold off on hiring me b/c of attendance (all dr excused). But I was offered the job, and the attendance thing was never brought up.

I never missed any work b/c of diabetes. I had a severe case of bronchitis twice (from mold). I missed 3 days each time with dr. excuses. I was offered the job after all this. Upon speaking with the personnel dept (about insurance) is when i mentioned I was diabetic. I filled out all the pre-employment papers and then when i kept asking about when were we making it official. I was told to give 30 - 60 days and then "we'll see" b/c of the days I had missed. I was even told not to come in if i was contagious. So after all of the paperwork, I was told not right now. After putting 3 mos and 3 weeks thru the temp I have to stay with the temp for 30 to 60 more days.

Answer 1

You don't have to tell them under the ADA. Also, those other jobs shouldn't have fired you because of diabetes- that is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Your medical conditions are really none of their concerns unless they ask "for health insurance purposes" in your interview. You mention attendance as a problem, so you do need to take into consideration how many absences you are likely to have, and how your absence will affect your co-workers and the company. My mom is a diabetic, and ends up taking time off when the complications make her ill (being diabetic yourself, I am sure you know all about those) but she has a job where absence will not affect either, so they are more lienient about things like that. However, be aware that it is against the law for them to fire you due to an illness (if you have your doctor saying that you were unable to attend work), so keep that in mind about the jobs that you lost before and how you would handle discussions about your illness in the future. Good luck with both your diabetes and your career!

Answer 4

Okay been here done this......in the inital interview I dont feel its of utmost importance to bring it up. If they ask I agree to just tell them the truth but dont dwell on it & make it out to be some GREAT BIG problem. If you feel that you werent hired BCAUSE of the diabetes then you can take legal action for this. HOWEVER THIS IS IMPORTANT....once hired I believ to be of utmost importance that your boss & fellow coworkers are at least aware of your condition. I dont agree that this is NONE of their business because should you go into diabetic shock or just have a reaction the people around you NEED to know whats wrong w you so they can do what needs to be done to help you. If you were to pass out at work & 911 was called & no one knew you were diabetic the first thing the EMS is probably going to do is start a glucose IV on you & well being as glucose is straight sugar I dont need to tell you what that would do to you. Your medical condition may be your business but being as its something that can strike quickly people around you need to know what to do so they can remain calm and handle the situation w/out panicing. This in the long run could save your life

Answer 5

You probably have a case under the ADA.

The ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against diabetics, unless performing his job requires more than "reasonable accommodation." Doctor visits definitely are reasonable accomodations, and the fact that they offered you the job means that you could do the job.

I suggest that you see an ADA lawyer and file a suit against them so that it will make the newspapers. This is an important battle for diabetics to fight, and your case is particularly clearcut. Getting it into the newspapers will raise the awareness of businesses throughout your area. I hope you will do it!

Answer 6

NO !!!!

Your diabetes has nothing to do with how well you do your job. If you have attendence problems because of your diabetes, then there is something wrong with your doctor and how you're handling your diabetes. Check and see what else should be done. When diabetes is handled properly, you shouldn't be losing any work.

Secondly, that's considered to be discrimination. If anybody fires you, or refuses to hire you based on a health issue unrelated to your ability to perform a job... then you have every right to sue them!!!
Good luck hon!

Answer 7

You need to tell them before someone else does, and also if you get into a situation where you are unwell, then you need to tell them. There is nothing wrong with being diabetic, as long as you know how to treat the condition and are under medical care, isn't there a law or something that prevents employers from firing employees who perform well but have diabetes, epilepsy etc.

Answer 8

You need to get a good attorney. An employer cannot discriminate due to pre-existing medical conditions. Check out the Americans with Disabilities Act (I assume you are American).

WHY would you tell them you are diabetic, unless you're testing foods or something like that.

I am hypoglycemic (have passed out at work before) and it has never been a major issue.

Answer 9

It all about the employeers insurance, they don't want to cover the expence, I ahve had many jobs where some knew I was a diabetic, some did not I also have had several insulin reactions on the job. Them knowing saved me from going into shock.
I think it is up to you to ask what there company policy is before you tell them.
Good Luck

Answer 10

yes tell your employer of any medical condition its for the diabetic persons good what if you go into insulin shock at work and no one knows wth is wrong with you. or at a company picnic someone brings in something containing sugar and they didnt know you was and then you eat it and get the side effects and nobody knows wth is goin on. if you are concerned about this take this advice watch out for yourself. and if you lost those job because of them not understanding your diabetic and you can prove it SUE THE **** OUTTA THEM!!! good luck to you just take care of yourself be open about it dont hide it from employers there is anti discrimination laws that protect you.

Answer 11

I do, I tell everyone at work, and at all of my interviews. So that they know that I am different and need to take care of myself. If they don't hire you because of your diabetes sue them. But I was under the impression that you need to tell they for insurnce and the American Dissability Act. Look at it this way, it could never hurt you to tell the truth. I know alot of people who are ashamed that they are diabetic. Which makes NO sense. I am type one and have come to embrace my difference and in a wierd way enjoy telling and sharing my story with others.