Under most laws, both key in 1 and key in 2 diabetes are considered a disability.
In the United States, diabetes is considered a disability under federal law.
In some states, the protections are greater, and in others, they are less.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
School
Diabetes requires 24/7 management.
Some states give more protections than others.
Work
Under federal law, those with diabetes have rights and protections in the workplace.
Reasonable Accomondations
Reasonable accommodations must be given to those with diabetes.
This could include:
Under the law, workplaces are required under antidiscrimination laws to provide reasonable accommodations.
Those with diabetes who qualify under the FMLA can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave.
Legally, employers are required to allow this leave.
Parents who have children with diabetes can also take leave under FMLA.
The employer also has to have a minimum of 50 employees within 75 miles of each other.
An employer can require a person to use up accrued leave and count this towards the 12 weeks.
Those in jail or prison have rights to adequate medical care and equal treatment under federal law.
Benefits may include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Those living with diabetes don’t always qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Issues that qualify can vary based on the state you live in.
Applications can typically be given in person, on the phone, online, or by mail.
The Disability Determination Service will collect evidence and decide if the disability definition has been met.
To learn more about government benefits, visit this site.
Summary
Diabetes can be a complicated condition and is considered a disability under federal law.
People with diabetes are sometimes eligible for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration.
American Diabetes Association.Is diabetes a disability?
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.What Is Diabetes?
American Diabetes Association.Demonstrating coverage under the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 for People with Diabetes.
American Diabetes Association.Safe at school.
American Diabetes Association.Common reasonable accommodations for individuals with diabetes.
American Diabetes Association.Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
American Diabetes Association.Fact sheet social security disability programs.
