Achieving professional success while managing type 1 diabetes
Use CGMs with alerts, set calendar reminders for meals and insulin, and keep emergency supplies in your office. Schedule important meetings when your blood sugar is typically stable.
Establish consistent meal times even with a hectic schedule. Use insulin pumps for flexible dosing during back-to-back meetings. Keep healthy snacks readily available.
High-stress roles can affect blood sugar. Build in breaks for blood sugar checks, practice stress reduction techniques, and adjust insulin for stress-related highs.
You're not required to disclose T1D to employers. However, informing key colleagues can be helpful for emergencies and accommodation requests. Share only what you're comfortable with.
If you choose to share, briefly explain T1D, what symptoms to watch for, and how they can help in an emergency. Keep it professional and matter-of-fact.
You don't owe detailed explanations. It's okay to step out of meetings to manage blood sugar without explaining. Your health comes first.
Pack 2-3x your normal supplies, research healthcare options at your destination, and adjust insulin for time zone changes with your doctor's guidance.
Keep your pump on home time initially, or work with your team to adjust basal rates. Monitor frequently during the first 24-48 hours.
Research local foods and carb counts. Learn key diabetes phrases in the local language. Be prepared for different meal timing customs.
Share your experience with junior colleagues who have T1D. Your success shows them what's possible and provides practical workplace strategies.
Advocate for flexible break policies, private spaces for medical management, and health-conscious workplace practices that benefit everyone.
Demonstrate that managing health conditions doesn't limit performance. Your visible success challenges stereotypes and creates opportunities for others.