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!
I'm also a T1DM, on an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor. I was diagnosed at 10. It's no big deal, except you will hear the words, "Are you supposed to eat that?" every time you look at something with carbs. I suggest cultivating a list of pithy responses. Also, feel free to make jokes about diabetics. I like to bring in sweet treats and hand them to people, saying, "I bring you the gift of type 2 diabetes."
I have worked with two types of diabetic nurses. The "I have it under control" type. Usually you only find out they are diabetic by accident in a conversation etc..and the kind that needs more care than the patients. They often have high/low blood sugar episodes at work, can't pull their weight etc..The answer to your question is that it is totally up to you how your diabetes will affect your work life. I applaud your efforts. Maintain those good habits and you should be fine. I also thank you for taking the time to think ahead and ask, so many people treat a career in nursing like a right instead of a privilege.
Thank you all so much for your replies! As well as your kind words regarding my diabetes management, I only have one life so I definitely want to be as healthy as I can, while still enjoying myself. I now feel much better and relieved!
I have PCOS and have had issues with the insulin resistance my entire adult life. I'm still considered controlled, uncomplicated, and while I have been considered Type 2 DM for about 2 years now, my A1c is always under 7, and usually under 6. Metformin and diet with exercise seem to be all I need. If you're controlled, and not having complications there is no reason why it would be an issue. Even if you did need insulin, the important aspect is will it effect your ability to take care of patients. I usually sneak around a protein bar in my pocket just in case when I'm at work or clinical, but I've yet to have anyone find out for any reason other that I'm not really trying to hide it from them.
Oh, as a second note. Have a form of stress relief. Nursing school is stressful and stress is not the best thing for glucose levels. Just my personal experience here, my numbers tend to go up a bit during clinical, no matter how good I am being.
Specializes in peds, allergy-asthma, ob/gyn office.
I know someone who is Type 1. Started an ER career before insulin pumps were the norm. She has always done very well. I believe she is in a management position now.
I worked with a Type 1 diabetic who wore a pump. We worked night shift and she found after several months that her sugars were much more labile and out of control than they had been; she wound up leaving her night shift/ICU/hospital position and now works for an outpatient surgery center. I didn't know every detail of her case- perhaps some adjustment could have been made to her basal rate, etc... She did have the option to go to a day shift slot but I think she had been looking to leave the bedside anyway. From what I hear, her new job is a good fit!
Dogen
897 Posts
I'm also a T1DM, on an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor. I was diagnosed at 10. It's no big deal, except you will hear the words, "Are you supposed to eat that?" every time you look at something with carbs. I suggest cultivating a list of pithy responses. Also, feel free to make jokes about diabetics. I like to bring in sweet treats and hand them to people, saying, "I bring you the gift of type 2 diabetes."