Diabetes and Discrimination

As with any disability, you may be subject to discrimination.  The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990, guaranteeing anyone with disabilities equal access in the workplace and public places. 

Legally, you are under no obligation to provide your potential employer with any information about your diabetes and your employer is overstepping your rights if anyone directly asks you.  After you have received a job offer, an employer may ask about your health, including whether you have diabetes.  You may be required to complete a medical examination.

Once you have been offered a job, the employer cannot withdraw the offer because you have diabetes.  You will need to be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodations and without posing a direct threat to your safety and the safety of fellow employees.

You cannot be dismissed from your job because of increased health premiums, nor can your employer refuse to provide you with health insurance as long as it is provided for other employers who work a similar number of hours.  You also cannot be charged a different premium for your health insurance that what is charged to other employees.

Generally, it is a good idea to just keep your diabetes to yourself.