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By *D40 OP Couple
over a year ago
Wolverhampton |
Just a quick one i hope any diabetics can answer.
My type 2 is controlled by diet alone, however i recently changed jobs from one where i could eat if i was hungry to one where i have a lunch break at 12.30 & eating at my desk is discouraged by management.
Anyway, i've had a couple of hypo's since i started a couple of weeks ago which my nurse tells me is due to my new eating habit. Would it be unreasonable of me to ask to have 2 x 15 minute breaks so i can avoid this happening again? Do they have a commitment to help me on this?
Thanks in advance
Julie xxx |
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"No it wouldn't be unreasonable and under the DDA your employer has a responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to help you"
Actually think it's encorporared in the equality act these days. Sorry. |
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I'm a T2 diabetic and have only experienced a hypo once when I didn't eat for 16 hours (it's a long story). Most of the time, I tend to suffer from hypers (high blood sugars) if I don't control my diet. I was always under the impression hypos were mainly the dominion of T1 diabetics.
Your query has already been answered by someone who clearly knows employment laws better than I do but do you really need 15 minutes to down a rich tea biscuit or suck a glucose sweet if your bloods are low? I'm only saying that because I'm pretty sure my employer (and probably my colleagues too) would be a tad pi**ed off if I had half an hour extra every day just to consume a few carbs.
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By *icarswife45Woman
over a year ago
wiltshire town near Bath |
I'm a T2 diabetic my last office job was difficult as no one took any breaks even lunch,i used to eat at my desk when I needed to,everyone was aware of my needs and even joked about shoving a sugar lump up my bum if I had a hypo!!!! |
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I don't think she is asking for an extra half an hour, just her current 30 minute entitlement to be split into 2 separate breaks.
And the previous poster is correct, an employer has to make reasonable adjustments.
Just as you are new to the role, keep a record of any conversations about it. They may try to say you haven't met your probation requirements and not keep you on. But they are unlikely to say it's because of the diabetes.
I've worked for some shit companies, and it's just something I'd be wary of. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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i have brought my daughter upw ith type I diabetes on insulin she manages to work by eating sensibly and taking glucose tablets with her. Also if you work over four hours i think u are entitled to a ten minute break also a 2 minute break every hour for W C |
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"I'm a T2 diabetic and have only experienced a hypo once when I didn't eat for 16 hours (it's a long story). Most of the time, I tend to suffer from hypers (high blood sugars) if I don't control my diet. I was always under the impression hypos were mainly the dominion of T1 diabetics.
Your query has already been answered by someone who clearly knows employment laws better than I do but do you really need 15 minutes to down a rich tea biscuit or suck a glucose sweet if your bloods are low? I'm only saying that because I'm pretty sure my employer (and probably my colleagues too) would be a tad pi**ed off if I had half an hour extra every day just to consume a few carbs.
"
then your colleagues are not nice people, jealous of someone with a potentially life limiting illness.
If it was me i wouldn't take the breaks unless absolutely necessary but i wouldn't be made to feel bad because of it.
My type 2 is managed by diet/exercise and metformin SR so the likely hood of me having a hypo are low as i believe that type 2's usually only get them if they are on insulin or certain types of tablets.
OP, do you test your sugars? if not i would ask your diabetic nurse for a meter so that you can monitor your hypos etc.
Also,eat slow release carbs, low GI foods, they will keep you fuller for longer. |
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"Would it be unreasonable of me to ask to have 2 x 15 minute breaks so i can avoid this happening again? "
Yes it is unreasonable.... as they are obligated to give you at least 20 minutes uninterrupted break within a 6 hour shift. So 2 x 15 minutes is not OK.
" Do they have a commitment to help me on this?
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Yes... within reason.
It would be difficult in an office/desk based position for them to object to you having and energy drink/snack bar or glucose tablets at your desk (given the medical condition). |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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i have type 2. i also have hypos. these occur if i am engrossed in a task for too long, whether it be a physical or mental task. they are difficult to predict as i dont know what i am doing from one minute to the next.
it even happened last week when sorting through my wardrobe.
i would suggest telling your employer, but saying it is generally controlled.
keep glucose tabs in your pocket and a small orange juice box in your desk drawer.
check what your break entitlements are, not only do you need to monitor sugar levels but also have a real break.
the secret is to recognise what a hypo feels like and catch it early, i think.
its a tricky one, but you can do it. good luck. |
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. .hope that helps 
