I recently saw this question on twitter: “Should or shouldn’t you disclose your diabetes to your professors or employer?” I was particularly struck by the words should and shouldn’t.
Here’s how I would reword the question:
“Do you disclose your diabetes to your professors or employer? Why or why not?”
Disclosing your diabetes is your choice. There are many factors that play into whether or not someone lets people know they have diabetes and it can vary by person or situation.
I hope that professors will (d0) treat you like an adult. If you need to leave a class for diabetes-related reasons, it wouldn’t matter to the professor as long as you are respectful, get the information you need and hand in your assignments on time. If you find you need to leave class frequently, there may be bigger concerns at play.
When it comes to employers, I may or may not disclose my diabetes. I do make sure at least one co-worker/colleague knows, however. The friends I hike with know I have diabetes and how to treat a low, should I need their help.
Diabetes management – every aspect of it – is about choices. We make those choices every minute of every day, and take safety into consideration. Choosing whether or not to disclose is no different.