Working, and having Diabetes

Have you evered been scared to do something or go somewhere because you have diabetes? Well i can say that i have.

Last year i walked into American Eagle Outfitters here in P.A. to apply for a job. I got an on-the-spot interview, and the manger gave me the application. I was filling it out and then, they asked if i had any medical illness or if I was on any medications.

I was so scared. I thought if i dont write it down and they find out, then I would be fired. Then, on the other hand, I thought if I do write that, I am diabetic they wouldn't even hire me.

So I decided to put down that I was diabetic. I dont even think they read it! All that worring for nothing.

So I went in the following week to train and do all the final paper work. It then hit me: WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET A LOW BLOOD SUGAR? They had told me the rules and the two that scared me the most were:

1. No eating on the sales floor

2. You must stay in one area at all times

So basically it meant that i couldn't eat if i had a low, and i couldn't go to the back and grab a drink. I thought to my self.. maybe this will be harder than i thought.

I decided to talk to the manager and asked her if i could carry and eat glucose tablets as i worked, because i am diabetic. She said "of course you can." I was so relieved that i found a way to work while still having diabetes.

I learned that it's important to be honest, and to speak up.

I feel although it can be hard to have diabetes and still manage to work with healthy, steady numbers, it is a great learning experience, and would only help you to keep a close eye on your numbers, and find a way to have tight control!

you can do it,

-Matt Walsh