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Disability (work)

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
diddymai

diddymai

Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi - I was diagnosed as T2 in January this year ans I am on Metformin 1000 mg for now. As well as the general fatigue, I am having many issues with memory, concentration etc. I would like to know if any one has been registered as disabled and not fit for work as a result of T2 diabetes and such symptoms either of the disease or the medication?
Thanks in advance
 
@diddymai, I note that you are based in Switzerland whereas the vast majority of our members are based in UK. Because of that it is likely that procedures and rules that apply to you may well be very different to those that apply here. Please bear that in mind when considering responses.
 
Docb said:
@diddymai, I note that you are based in Switzerland whereas the vast majority of our members are based in UK. Because of that it is likely that procedures and rules that apply to you may well be very different to those that apply here. Please bear that in mind when considering responses.
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Hi DocB - actually living in France (working in Switzerland) and yes thanks I am aware of that. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see.
 
diddymai said:
Hi DocB - actually living in France (working in Switzerland) and yes thanks I am aware of that. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see.
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In the UK you may be entitled to financial aid to help assist you around work (for example if you are requiring extra assistance) but I think it would be unlikely to receive aid in replacement of work. As doc mentioned countries differ but I would suspect that the diabetes and issues you mentioned wouldn't be a big enough reason to claim benefits in place of work. The diabetes can be classed as a disability, but again, it really depends on the level of aid you need and how much the diabetes is affecting your ability to carry out daily living.

Your employer has a duty of care to do everything they can within reason to help you manage your diabetes and any complications at work so if you haven't I would suggest discussing it with your manager and see if there is anything you can do to make worklife easier for you.
 
Spozkins said:
In the UK you may be entitled to financial aid to help assist you around work (for example if you are requiring extra assistance) but I think it would be unlikely to receive aid in replacement of work. As doc mentioned countries differ but I would suspect that the diabetes and issues you mentioned wouldn't be a big enough reason to claim benefits in place of work. The diabetes can be classed as a disability, but again, it really depends on the level of aid you need and how much the diabetes is affecting your ability to carry out daily living.

Your employer has a duty of care to do everything they can within reason to help you manage your diabetes and any complications at work so if you haven't I would suggest discussing it with your manager and see if there is anything you can do to make worklife easier for you.
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Hi - yes my employer and I have come to an agreement and my position has been somewhat re-organised putting me of course in a less beneficial position financially in order to find a better life/work balance. My worry it that I will not be able to continue to do more an more tasks as time goes on. This new re-organistation was in order for me to let go of the more complex tasks already.
 
Fatigue, memory and concentration issues are often a symptom of uncontrolled diabetes with high blood sugars.
@diddymai what are your blood sugars like? Apart from Metformin are you doing anything to bring them down such as change of diet and/or exercise?
Once you are able to manage your diabetes, you may be able to return to your previous work levels.

I have Type 1 diabetes, and definitely find I struggle if my blood sugars get too high - the fatigue is a key symptom that I need to do something.

The other thing which may be worth looking at is how much your fatigue is due to the Metformin. I have not taken iit but some of the type 2 crew may be able to comment. It is not the only treatment available.
 
diddymai said:
Hi DocB - actually living in France (working in Switzerland) and yes thanks I am aware of that. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see.
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Totally agree with you, it is good for all to see how things handled in different countries. I was just trying to ensure that there were not going to be the sort of crossed wires that, more often than not, end up being a moderator's nightmare!
 
Are you taking any other medications @diddymai?

Some members reported a memory issues with some other meds they were prescribed for their diabetes
 
Hi...for Diabetes, no..only Metformin but I'm also on some heart meds and antidepressants (now reduced by half)
 
I find that I am brighter and more energetic these days, but I started off by testing and I know that my blood glucose is in the normal range after eating, which it wasn't when eating a healthy diet full of carbohydrate.
If you do reduce carbs be careful if you are on tablets to lower blood pressure. Several people on the low carb forum have had nasty falls due to no longer needing the medication.
 
Have you had your thyroid and B12 levels checked? These will also give you the symptoms your describe.
 
Hi, yes my B12 and B9 were low so I'm now on supplements...started 2 weeks ago. Also had a brain scan, a memory test (in French which was very amusing), and a visit to a neurologist. So we'll see if the vitamin supplements make any difference.
 
What about the thyroid function blood test ? This reports the \tsh - level of \thyroid Stimulating Hormone in the blood sample. When we have diabetes, we frequently do better with levels below those considered generally to be the norm - which I think is 4 - 7 - whereas we generally do better around 1 or even below that.
 
diddymai said:
Hi, yes my B12 and B9 were low so I'm now on supplements...started 2 weeks ago. Also had a brain scan, a memory test (in French which was very amusing), and a visit to a neurologist. So we'll see if the vitamin supplements make any difference.
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If you are not absorbing B12 then it needs to be injected as tablet form would be a waste of time for obvious reasons.
 
Pumper_Sue said:
If you are not absorbing B12 then it needs to be injected as tablet form would be a waste of time for obvious reasons.
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People can normally absorb enough B12 from their diet but sometimes as a result of medication or stomach problems you stop producing intrinsic factor which is required to absorb B12 so no good taking in tablet form hence the injections every 3 months. There is a blood test that can be done to check you are actually producing intrinsic factor but I suspect the doctors just prescribe B12 anyway.
My other half is convinced taking esomeprazole was responsible for the low B12 he has.
Pumper_Sue said:
If you are not absorbing B12 then it needs to be injected as tablet form would be a waste of time for obvious reasons.
Click to expand...
 
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