Part 11 of 12
Traveling with type 2 diabetes will
depend on the medication(s) you are taking. I would advise having a
letter from your doctor on the doctor's letterhead about the fact
that you are a person with type two diabetes and are taking the
medication(s) that you are prescribed. If you are on insulin, this
should also be stated and that you are using insulin pens or vials
and syringes.
I did this for several trips overseas
and had no problems except for a slight delay while they located a
translator for English. I had my medications in the original
container with the prescription label on them and these were accepted
with no questions. One of the TSA employees in the USA made a point
of looking at each vial of insulin and each medication. The rest of
the times, all they needed was a look at the doctor's letter.
How do you handle sick days? Many
people refuse to say they have diabetes and can be fired for
unexplained sick days if they do not have a doctor's letter
explaining the reason for an absence. Then, if they find out you
have lied on your application, you also risk losing your job.
Developing diabetes while working for a company can also create
problems, but not as serious.
Wellness campaigns by many companies
today will also disclose your diabetes. Therefore, I think it is
wise to have a talk with the human resource department and be honest
with them. They may respect you more as an employee and even be
willing to move you out of jobs that are more hazardous if you
develop neuropathy. Not all companies do this, but more are
learning. Some companies are only concerned that you show up for
work and can perform your job. In small companies, there may be even
more latitude in what they allow. If you have allowed sick days, or
paid sick days, use them wisely and don't abuse the system.
Problem solving skills is part of daily
life and diabetes makes them more important. I had one individual
with diabetes laugh at me when I said this and could not believe that
daily living required problem solving skills. I just said you had
someone side swipe your auto and it was going too fast for you to get
a license number, what do you do. He said just call my insurance
agent and if the car is driveable, I will go to the repair shop. I
said you failed.
First, you call the police to report a
hit and run. You should have them check for evidence of paint and
file a report. Then you request a copy of the report for the
insurance company. Then you may call your agent and do what he
directs you to do.
With diabetes, this means that if you
can't solve the problem by observation, you look at the logs you keep
and try to analyze what needs to be done. Then if you are unable to
solve the problem, decide how serious the problem is at the moment
and whether you should call your doctor, drive to the hospital, or
call an ambulance. All cost different money and this may affect your
decision as will whether this is a true emergency or a perceived
emergency. Or it may be as simple as doing some additional exercise
and eating a little less at the next meal. But problem solving it is
and your skills should improve as you gain experience, ask questions
of your doctor, and talk to other people with type 2 diabetes.
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