I have high blood sugar and Type 2 diabetes is not going to kill me. But I just have to eat right, and exercise, and lose weight, and watch what I eat, and I will be fine for the rest of my life.
- Tom Hanks
Actor Tom Hanks is diabetic and so am I. But with his show business career and doubtlessly hectic schedule, he plays an important role in showing us that no matter how busy one’s life is, living and working with diabetes can be done, and done quite well.
An article in the July 2013 edition of Diabetes Forecast magazine addresses this topic. The author, Tracey Neithercott, starts by mentioning that, years ago, there were often barriers in the workplace for people with the disease. Companies feared that episodes of low blood glucose would put employees in danger and that caring for their diabetes would disrupt their work.
A lot of the restrictions were made at a time when blood glucose meters weren’t as accessible as they are now, and insulin wasn’t as short-acting or its administration as precise. But due to advocacy efforts and new laws and guidelines, those misguided views have been challenged.
Many of us would never consider ourselves disabled, but diabetes is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. There is no law that requires us to disclose our diabetes, and employers are not allowed to ask about our medical background before offering a job.
But staying quiet can be tricky. If our employer doesn’t know, it would be hard to prove discrimination based on the condition. If we make it known, employers have to provide reasonable accommodations to enable us to do our job.
When I was diagnosed, I sent an email to folks I knew would want to know or needed to know. Sharing it took a little burden off me because so many were sympathetic and supportive.
If our co-workers don’t know about our disease, how will they be able to help if an emergency arises?
For quite a few years I had a co-worker who was Type 1 diabetic and was insulin dependent. He was a sweet guy with a wry sense of humor. My colleagues and I became his caretakers of a sort, staying alert for signs that something might be wrong.
One of the issues was that he wouldn’t check his blood sugar regularly. That meant he would often not get his insulin on time, which would lead to low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.
Blood sugar below a reading of 70 is considered low. Symptoms can include feeling weak, tired, cranky and hungry. Others are shaking, headache, double or blurry vision.
When my colleague’s blood sugar got too low, he’d often become quiet and appear agitated. When we realized he was having a problem, we knew he needed carbohydrates - a candy bar or soft drink - in his system. Sometimes people stood and watched to make certain he consumed it.
On several occasions paramedics were called. But it was amazing how fast he recovered once they put in an IV and the glucose-rich fluid began flowing through his veins. Eventually he started using a timer that would beep when he needed insulin.
Being a Type 2 diabetic on medications to lower my blood glucose, I normally don’t have a low blood sugar problem. My issue is high blood sugar or hyperglycemia. Symptoms can be frequent urination, increased thirst, blurred vision, fatigue and headache.
Since I have been taking my medicines and working hard to eat better and exercise, I find I don’t have the symptoms I used to have.
But the bottom line is that if those around us are not aware of our situation, they will be poorly equipped to help when we need it.
I reached out to Dr. Peter Goulden, director of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences diabetes program.
Goulden says co-workers can assist someone with hypoglycemia by asking if the colleague needs help. Testing the blood glucose with a meter can confirm if it’s too low. Prompt recognition and treatment is key.
And, hopefully, cooperation from the affected person.
Severe hypoglycemia has the potential to cause accidents, injuries or coma. Recurrent low blood sugar episodes can lead to hypoglycemia unawareness, where the person doesn’t get a clear warning sign that his blood sugar is dropping.
The treatment for hypoglycemia recommended by the American Diabetes Association is for the affected person to consume 15-20 grams of glucose or simple carbohydrates, then recheck blood glucose after 15 minutes. If the condition continues, repeat. Once the blood glucose returns to normal, eat a small snack or your next meal.
So what do 15 grams of carbohydrates look like?
Glucose tablets or a gel tube (follow package directions).
Two tablespoons of raisins.
Four ounces of juice or regular soda (not diet).
One tablespoon of sugar, honey or corn syrup.
Eight ounces of nonfat milk.
With regular medication and diet control, Type 2 diabetics can and should also have a plan for symptoms that might arise at work.
The important thing, Goulden says, is to learn a little about diabetes, be vigilant and show sensitivity in supporting colleagues who might need help. Diabetes is not a disability; it’s a condition that someone lives, works and travels with. We can all help make that journey a smoother one.
Email: rboggs@arkansasonline.com
ActiveStyle, Pages 24 on 02/10/2014