Driving is an important part of daily life for many people, including those who have diabetes. If you are concerned about being able to get or keep your private driver’s license, check out some tips for driving safely with diabetes—especially good to remember during this holiday season. Also, remember that different states have different rules about when you may not drive because of your diabetes. If low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) has made you worried, or if you were in an accident because of diabetes, learn more about licensing rules in your state.
For those who have or want commercial driver’s licenses, special rules apply. Contact us at
1-800-DIABETES or myada@diabetes.org to talk to a Legal Advocate if you are having trouble with commercial licensing because of diabetes.
New and Noteworthy
Justice for All
People with diabetes have the right to be treated fairly, including in the criminal justice system. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Here are some real-life situations:
Police officers fail to identify hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) emergencies, mistaking them for people being under the influence or not obeying instructions.
People in short-term custody, for example, in police stations or jails, are denied all diabetes care (including insulin), sometimes causing severe health issues.
People serving their sentences do not receive proper care and then develop serious complications, like blindness, kidney failure or loss of limbs.
Education is one of the best ways to prevent problems like these. Whether you are a family member of a loved one in jail, a police officer looking to train your staff or someone who just wants to understand these issues, we have tools and resources about diabetes and law enforcement. Contact us at
1-800-DIABETES or askADA@diabetes.org for more information or to speak with a Legal Advocate.
Parents Corner
Children with Diabetes in Child Care Settings
New Position Statement and Other Resources The American Diabetes Association has published a new position statement: Care of Young Children with Diabetes in the Child Care Setting, mainly focused on the care and legal protections for young children with diabetes. The statement encourages parents/guardians, health care professionals and childcare providers to work together to keep children with diabetes safe in child care programs. The statement, also, discusses the unique diabetes management needs of young children with diabetes and provides recommendations to guide childcare providers in caring for this population. With proper training, even the youngest of children with diabetes can stay medically safe in day care situations.
Do you know what discrimination due to diabetes is? Are you aware of federal laws that protect people from discrimination at work? When a person with diabetes applies for a job, how should a medical examination be handled? Is the A1C test (average blood glucose level) a correct measure of a person’s ability to safely perform a job? Did you know that people with diabetes may request small changes at work that allow them to succeed on the job?
Many people contact the Association each month with workplace-related questions, and we’re ready to help you. Contact us at 1-800-DIABETES or askADA@diabetes.org for more information or to speak with a Legal Advocate.
How to Get Help
Saving a Job With Help from the American Diabetes Association
Lisa was told she had to take a physical before being allowed to start her new job as a nurse for a North Carolina nursing home. Then, she almost lost that job before even starting it because of a high A1C level. The employer’s medical director told Lisa she would have to wait at least four months, and get her A1C down. She was also told that, at that point, the job would, most likely, already be filled. Lisa felt this was not right, so she contacted the American Diabetes Association. After working with one of its Legal Advocates, Lisa learned that a high A1C level alone was not a proper reason to deny her the job. Lisa informed the medical director and was then able to start the job, without having to get her A1C down or wait four months.
If you, or someone you know, need help with a work issue related to diabetes, contact us at 1-800-DIABETES or askADA@diabetes.org for more information or to speak with a Legal Advocate.
Spread the Word!
Help people with diabetes learn about their rights when applying for jobs. Share this infographic via social media.
Become a Diabetes Advocate
Ask national and state leaders to fund vital diabetes research and programs, prevent diabetes, improve health care and protect the rights of people with diabetes. Your voice counts. Visit diabetes.org/takeaction!
