FAQs

1. Will my diabetes affect my working life?

   Diabetes doesn’t stop you doing most jobs, but you might want to talk to your doctor or nurse about how to manage your diabetes at work. You don’t have to tell your employer that you have diabetes, but it’s a good idea to as you will probably need to take time off for doctor’s appointments. Find out your employers policy for this. If you’re applying for a job, it’s best to be open and honest about your diabetes and accentuate the positives – having diabetes means that you take care of your health, eat well and you’re getting regular health checks.

2. What do I need to think about when going on holiday?

   Diabetes shouldn’t stop you travelling to anywhere you want to go! But you will need to plan a bit more. Here are a few things to consider, but talk to your doctor or nurse as well before you go: Get twice the amount of your diabetes supplies you need, and get someone you’re travelling with to carry half, in case of loss or theft; Make sure you have some supplies in your hand luggage as well as in the luggage you check in, that way you will always have some at hand if needed; Make sure you know how to store your supplies correctly; Ask your doctor or nurse how to manage changing time zones; Get a letter from your doctor or nurse if you need to carry needles or fingerprickers on the plane; What vaccinations you need; Make sure you have travel insurance which covers your diabetes; Find out what food might be available on your journey and at your destination; Ask your doctor or nurse what to do if you fall ill while away.

3. I’ve heard that people with diabetes aren’t always allowed to drive. Is this true?

   You can still hold a driving license when you have diabetes, but there are just a few things to be aware of: You need to inform the DVLA that you have diabetes; Depending on how your diabetes is treated, you might get a license for up to three years, or you might get one until you’re 70; You must inform the DVLA if your start on insulin or you get any diabetes complications; You need to inform the DVLA if have frequent or severe hypoglycaemia (hypo - low blood glucose levels), or have a hypo at the wheel; You must inform your insurance company

4. Am I still able to drink alcohol?

   Having diabetes doesn’t mean that you can’t drink, but if you take insulin or certain other medications, alcohol can make you more likely to have a hypo (low blood glucose). However you treat your diabetes, you should stick to the recommended safe drinking levels which are 1-2 units a day for women and 2-3 for men.

5. I’ve been trying to give up smoking for years. Now that I have been diagnosed with diabetes, I have been told it’s even more important that I quit. Why?

   We all know that smoking is bad for our health, but add it to diabetes and it’s really bad news. Having diabetes means you already have a higher risk of heart attacks and stroke, and if you smoke as well you double that risk. So make a real effort to quit, and as well as all the health benefits of quitting, think of the money you’ll save!

6. Why are targets important?

   Keeping to your recommended blood glucose targets as much as possible will help reduce your chances of developing any of the long-term complications of diabetes. Don’t worry if you don’t hit the targets every time as many things can upset diabetes management. But do talk to your doctor or nurse about your results as they will be able to suggest changes to your medication, food or lifestyle to get you back on track.