Did you know that one in six people living with diabetes feel discriminated against in the workplace? This statistic hit me hard because I've lived it. Before starting my own business, I was working full-time as a Marketing Executive in the corporate world. Despite my dedication and hard work, I often felt that my diabetes made me a target for unfair treatment.
I vividly remember the day I was called into a disciplinary hearing. My "crime"? Having three absences within a year—all related or exacerbated by my diabetes. I was given a verbal warning, but the whole situation was incredibly disheartening. It shouldn't have happened in the first place. My absences were a direct result of my diabetes, something I have no control over.
Feeling lost and unfairly treated, I reached out to the Diabetes UK helpline. They were incredibly supportive and armed me with a wealth of documents to present to my employer. These documents highlighted my rights under the Equality Act 2010, which protects people with disabilities from discrimination.
Many people don't realise that diabetes is considered a disability under the law. The Equality Act 2010 describes "a disability as a physical or mental impairment that has a long-term negative effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. If you take medication, the decision is based on how your impairment would affect you if you didn’t take the medication. So, to ask whether diabetes fits the description of a disability, you must consider the effect of diabetes if it wasn’t being treated"
Living with diabetes means constantly managing blood sugar levels, dealing with diabetes side effects, and navigating the unpredictable nature of the condition. It's not just about taking insulin or watching what you eat; it's a continuous balancing act that affects every aspect of your life, including your work.
Thanks to the information from Diabetes UK, I was able to have a educate my employer about my rights and the reasonable adjustments they needed to make to support me. However, the emotional toll of feeling discriminated against lingered. This experience was one of the driving forces behind my decision to start my own business, where I could create a safe and fair environment for myself.
If you're facing similar challenges at work due to your diabetes, remember that you have rights. Don't hesitate to reach out to organisations like Diabetes UK, who can provide guidance and support. There’s a wealth of advice on their website regarding diabetes and employment. You don’t have to navigate this alone, and you deserve to work in an environment that respects and accommodates your needs.
Discrimination in the workplace is a serious issue, and it’s important for both employees and employers to be educated about the rights of people living with diabetes. By raising awareness and advocating for ourselves, we can create more inclusive and supportive workplaces for everyone.
Information found on Diabetes UK
Helpful Links:
Work & Diabetes Guide - Diabetes UK
