I was wondering for all the males with type 1 ..What kind of work do you do? I was in school but cant do what I was going to school for now Im not sure what is a safe job with all my ups and downs on the sugar...Im just wondering what some folks are doing. Work is so important and I really need to start something I just cant take the heat...any suggestions would really help ty..
This is a really good question. In many ways, I've built my life around D. I have no regrets. At this point, I am a semi-successful children's book illustrator. My hours vary, but are generally flexible. I also take care of my young son, much of the time. Working full time never agreed with me too well. BG swings and insulin reactions certainly didn't help things.
I think that since I started the pump, I could handle more jobs. Now that I have tight control, and stability (for the last month and change), I think I can do a lot of jobs. I am seriously considering a career change to get health insurance and benefits. My advice would be to get your BG, diet, etc straightened out first, then figure out what jobs would suit you.
thanks for info
I've done everything from full time restaurant work, full time janitorial, and now that I am out of school I'm an analyst which requires travel. I guess I never thought D should limit what jobs I can do. Granted I can't be an airline pilot or serve in the military, but other than that I really didn't think about it.
thanks I do most work outside and just cant take it now. Nice to know that jobs can be had ..Im going to get on the pump and maybe that will help. Just cant figure which pump I need, The doctor told me to look at them all and decide.I dont know what I looking for really.. Seems like they would know better then me . Just really confused here...but hey thanks again
I am a type 2 diabetic but the guy who works across from me is a type 1 diabetic. We are software developers and managining seems to be ok for him. We are in our desks but you are not watched every minute of the day. I have flexibility to check sugars when needed. I know a lot of software developers who work from home and never set foot in an office. So as long as work is delivered according to schedule we are good.
There are so many discussions on this site that it seems pointless to repeat what has been said so many times before. But, just go up to the search box and type in various topics. Some include "choosing a pump" "which pump" and so on. You will find that most still use either Minimed or Animus. I am not a fan of the Omnipod so I never even suggest it. Mainly, the MiniMed is the only U.S. pump that has a large reservoir option (300 units) as well as the smaller (around 174 u?). I hear that the MM has slightly fewer button hits for the different tasks. The Animus is waterproof if you are a swimmer but both MM and it can easily be disconnected for a half hour or so of swimming. The pod cannot be disconnected. You definitely should as your dr office for the rep names for each company and then call them for demos. Also ask if you can try each one for a week. That should be possible. My experience is that you cannot know how you will like a particular pump just through the demo. You need to work with it and go through several of the daily routines to see how you like it. All of them are reliable and very good. All have 4 year warranties. The insulin pump is not a toy, however. It is serious and must be monitored and understood to avoid overdosing or underdosing. AS you know, too much insulin can kill you. I find it easier than multiple daily injections but it does have its required routines also (meal/snack bolus, reservoir change, battery change, etc.) I have always used the MM, and always used the larger reservoir one. If you take 50 units per day or more, or anticipate an increase over time, you almost have to have the larger reservoir. If you are one of the lucky people who only need a few units a day, then you can choose the smaller reservoir of the MM or the Animus. Good luck.
Thanks I am new to this site will go to search for more answers thanks again
worried mom, I train people that run nuclear power plants. I have been working in the nuclear field for a long time. I do know other diabetics that work in all kinds of jobs at a nuc plant. Operations, maintenance, engineering, training, you name it.
There are certain jobs that do limit diabetics. Fortunately, the there are laws to prevent a lot of it. So the sky is pretty much the limit.
Thanks that gives me hope
I've lived 40 years as a Type 1 diabetic. From day 1, when I was just 7, I made up my mind to never let diabetes control my life. I was in control, not the diabetes. During school, I played sports, went on many trips, never said "no" to any activity due to my diabetes. I worked full time to put myself through college, took 7 1/2 years for that. But then started a career in Information Technology from there. I've had a number of jobs during my career from full time desk jobs, to very active support and other types of work. I just started a new position recently that is more active than I've been since my 20's and enjoying it very much. I also recently started on an insulin pump, which I really worried about due to my activity, but have found it to be no problem at all.
Diabetes is a challenge. But it's never been an excuse for me.
Thanks Scott you have really helped me. I like your way of looking at this.Time I get thinking about this whole thing different....
I know I'm not a male but I do have some insight if it helps:
I've been type 1 diabetic for 12 years and for 10 of them, I hid my diabetes from the world and it didn't work out for me very well. I checked my sugars when it was convenient for my work, which was never and I can't tell you how I made it through. It must be that I'm still young...although, diabetes doesn't care much for age as much as length.
You can work any job you chose, but diabetes has to be number 1. I work retail and a daycare. They know what my priorities are and although it may annoy them, they can't deny me my rights to live healthy and happy with my "condition."
What's more, don't let diabetes inhibit you from daily activities, like work. When this disease becomes a chore, most people become irritable and denial-ridden.
Brokepole said it best: The sky really is pretty much the limit. Find a balance in your glucose and work whatever job you please.
you are so sweet chelly thanxs