Will my diabetes affect my future in nursing?

Published

Hi all, new here. I am planning on starting nursing school in fall 2016. I am in the very beginning phase of this journey. I am a 22 year old type *2* diabetic, diagnosed 4 months ago. Ever since the onset of puberty and severe PCOS, I've struggled with insulin resistance. It eventually developed into diabetes because I was young, uneducated, and thought it didn't really matter. Anywho, now my sugar is very well controlled after losing 30 pounds. I am NOT on insulin. I just take metformin and watch my carb intake. My hba1c is 5.8%, fasting this morning was 89. I have no issues with low or high sugar. I also don't have any complications such as nerve damage, eye damage, kidney problems, etc. So my question is, do you think my diabetes will affect my chances of getting jobs? I know there are laws in place against discrimination and such, but I don't know how much of that applies to medical issues. I just worry that a hospital will want a physical and worry that I'm diabetic and assume my sugar is just out of control, even if my a1c is a good number.

Thanks for reading and any insight on this question!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology.

No, I can't imagine how that would really effect things. Many type 1 diabetics on insulin are excellent nurses.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work with quite a few diabetic nurses and nurse aides, both DM I and II. Doesn't seem to slow them down or hinder them in the least bit. Good luck with nursing school! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Your a1c speaks to your dedicated effort, good job!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work with a nurse who had gestational diabetes and needed to go on insulin. She just brought lots of snacks and checked her sugar and all that. She was able to make it through just fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Well first of all, the fact that you are diabetic is NONE of their business. They don't have the right to have access to your medical history. It shouldn't interfere with you doing your job in any case.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

There are way more type 2 nurses than you could even imagine. Having an A1c of 5.8 is fabulous!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You should be fine especially if you're non insulin dependent and have it well under control. When you d become a nurse try to work day or evening shift because not sleeping my trigger your insulin resistance due to lack of sleep and the stress in your body. Unless you're one of those people that can sleep any time of day and in that case you should be fine. And don't give in to the brownies other people bring to the unit lounge.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Congratulations on the 5.8!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Palliative, Onc, Med-Surg, Home Hospice.

I know a lot of nurses who work with chronic illnesses. Asthma, post CABG, Diabetes (type 1 and 2) etc. Our diabetes educator has had Type 1 diabetes since she was 8 (she is now in her late 40's) and while she does have some issues, she is an excellent nurse and educator. She hasn't let it slow her down.

And neither have I; I have diabetes and asthma, have had a previous mild heart attack. I haven't let it slow me down either. I enjoy my work and work hard.

Edited because my computer (and fingers) had a hiccup and posted before I was ready

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pedi.

Most of the DNEs that I know are diabetic themselves. There's no reason why anyone you work with needs to know your medical history.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Tele, Gen Surgical.
No, I can't imagine how that would really effect things. Many type 1 diabetics on insulin are excellent nurses.

Yes, yes we are. Why thank you blondy! And to the OP, I have been IDDM since I was 2 years old. Now on a pump with continuous glucose monitoring for the last 15 years. As far as your employment physical may go, your A1c says it all. Way to be a self advocate!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion