Assisting Customers with Diabetes

Possible symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) are dizziness, sweating, headaches, confusion, and fainting.  Hypoglycenia (high blood sugar) can lead to a diabetic coma and death.

Other symptoms of diabetes may include poor memory, easily distracted, talking nonsensically (when blood sugar becomes low), fatigue, weakness, vision loss, poor sensitivity in feet or hands, irritability, ulcerations and poor healing.

Some of the complications that may occur with diabetes include kidney failure, heart disease, vision loss, numbness in fingers and feet, difficulty healing and stroke.

The following is a list of the accommodations that might be useful for customers/employees with diabetes.

• Provide storage for medications such as insulin, and/or food
• Supply an area to test blood sugar levels and administer medications (insulin shots)
• Provide appropriate containers for needles/syringe disposal
• Provide a rest area for reorientation after hypo/hyperglycemic episode (symptoms may include confused speech, lack of concentration or fainting)
• Allow breaks for food as needed
• Allow the reduction or elimination of strenuous activities and consider job sharing if necessary
• Provide anti-fatigue mats or padded carpeting if possible
• Provide a rest area with a cot or couch
• Provide stools and sit/stand workstations to alternate sitting and standing
• Consider options to enlarge with magnification devices or computer screen magnification software
• If magnification is not enough, consider options for voice output technology
• Provide typing assistance or voice activation software for the computer
• Provide a tape recorder, human reader or electronic device for note taking
• Allow a flexible schedule to use public transportation
• Allow use of a service animal for assistance with mobility
• Provide easy access to restroom facilities
• Allow a flexible schedule or time off for treatment (dialysis)
• Modify job tasks requiring fine finger dexterity
• Provide protective clothing and equipment
• Eliminate or reduce the need to use sharp objects
• Provide written instructions when possible
• Allow periodic rest breaks to reorient
• Provide electronic memory aids, such as schedulers or organizers
• Minimize distractions
• Allow a self-paced workload
• Provide sensitivity training to coworkers
• Allow telephone calls during work hours to doctors and others for support
• Schedule steady shifts
• Avoid temperature extremes (poor circulation)
• Provide area to brush teeth to prevent periodontal gum disease
• Continually evaluate safety hazards

Educate coworkers on emergency situation procedures.

For example:

• Suggest eating a snack if noticing symptoms listed above (orange juice best)
• Check person for sugar pills if passing out, offer them a drink of orange juice if no pills are available, and call 911 immediately

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Updated May, 2008 by Sheila Johnson