- Messages
- 4
- Type of diabetes
- Treatment type
- Non-insulin injectable medication (incretin mimetics)
Hi,
I have just been referred to OH for a medical assessment by my employer. I have been with my employer for over 2.5 years and have only had 1 day off sick in all that time, although this was not diabetes related.
I currently work 4 shifts per week but these shifts are 10 hours long and involve varying rotas that can start early in the morning (0600) and some that end late in the evenings (1900). Every week is different and even lunch times can vary between 1100am and 1400pm.
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2011. I wasn't working at the time as I have other unrelated medical conditions. My glucose levels were 21.9 when diagnosed. Under treatment with metformin and a much improved dietary regime I managed to get my HbA1c down to 6.8. As this became under control, I asked my GP to carry out a medical to see if my recent improvements for my other conditions (Chronic Spondylosis, arthritis, nerve problems and severe pain throughout my body) through medication, he would pass me as "fit for work" in an office environment. He agreed to this.
Since starting with my employer over 2.5 years ago, my HbA1c results have gradually been increasing. They currently stand at 9.1 and I have been advised that my current diet and eating times might be a factor. Because of this, I have been put on Liraglutide which is a daily injection. My Metformin is now 1000mg twice per day and I have another pill added called Zircon.
My employer advertised a shift rota with slightly reduced hours but finishing earlier in the afternoon. I figured this will help me have time to prepare and cook more healthy family meals and that I wouldn't feel as shattered due to the shifts not being so long which is a factor as to why I end up eating the wrong things. I applied for the shift but my line manager used my Diabetes as an excuse for me to move when he discussed it with HR.
They agreed to give me the shift but wanted to delay it for a few months so my current shifts could be advertised and taken up. I initially agreed, but then pushed to have it changed immediately to the new shift which was how it was advertised. I cited the fact that if my Diabetes were to be used as a factor in deciding to agree to the change I stated that my Diabetes doesn't suddenly go away or fix itself during the months of delay that was being stated. After all, some other shifts were advertised, taken up and changed for other employees without any health issues.
Now, my employer has referred me to Occupational Health citing it is to be "...in line with the Companies Absence Management Procedure". Now, going back to the first line of this thread, I stated I have had 1 day off in 2.5 years through sickness which had nothing to do with Diabetes. I am concerned as to why my employer is referring me in such a way. I have never had any diabetes related incidents during my time with this employer and the only time I take during the course of each day is two minutes in the morning to inject myself, and 2 minutes in the afternoon to check my blood glucose levels, and I do this when I know it is not at a busy time.
I have received a letter with a form to provide consent to my medical records. As none of my other health issues affect my work (I have met 100% of any standards required), and I have never once been late for work, tardy, or unproductive throughout, I want to know if I can agree only for medical records relating to diabetes to be given by my GP. As none of my other health issues have affected my attendance or performance, then I don't see why I need to disclose any of the information related to them to an Occupational Health doctor or to my employer.
Any kind of advice would be appreciated as I am becoming concerned by this.
Thanks
JB
I have just been referred to OH for a medical assessment by my employer. I have been with my employer for over 2.5 years and have only had 1 day off sick in all that time, although this was not diabetes related.
I currently work 4 shifts per week but these shifts are 10 hours long and involve varying rotas that can start early in the morning (0600) and some that end late in the evenings (1900). Every week is different and even lunch times can vary between 1100am and 1400pm.
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2011. I wasn't working at the time as I have other unrelated medical conditions. My glucose levels were 21.9 when diagnosed. Under treatment with metformin and a much improved dietary regime I managed to get my HbA1c down to 6.8. As this became under control, I asked my GP to carry out a medical to see if my recent improvements for my other conditions (Chronic Spondylosis, arthritis, nerve problems and severe pain throughout my body) through medication, he would pass me as "fit for work" in an office environment. He agreed to this.
Since starting with my employer over 2.5 years ago, my HbA1c results have gradually been increasing. They currently stand at 9.1 and I have been advised that my current diet and eating times might be a factor. Because of this, I have been put on Liraglutide which is a daily injection. My Metformin is now 1000mg twice per day and I have another pill added called Zircon.
My employer advertised a shift rota with slightly reduced hours but finishing earlier in the afternoon. I figured this will help me have time to prepare and cook more healthy family meals and that I wouldn't feel as shattered due to the shifts not being so long which is a factor as to why I end up eating the wrong things. I applied for the shift but my line manager used my Diabetes as an excuse for me to move when he discussed it with HR.
They agreed to give me the shift but wanted to delay it for a few months so my current shifts could be advertised and taken up. I initially agreed, but then pushed to have it changed immediately to the new shift which was how it was advertised. I cited the fact that if my Diabetes were to be used as a factor in deciding to agree to the change I stated that my Diabetes doesn't suddenly go away or fix itself during the months of delay that was being stated. After all, some other shifts were advertised, taken up and changed for other employees without any health issues.
Now, my employer has referred me to Occupational Health citing it is to be "...in line with the Companies Absence Management Procedure". Now, going back to the first line of this thread, I stated I have had 1 day off in 2.5 years through sickness which had nothing to do with Diabetes. I am concerned as to why my employer is referring me in such a way. I have never had any diabetes related incidents during my time with this employer and the only time I take during the course of each day is two minutes in the morning to inject myself, and 2 minutes in the afternoon to check my blood glucose levels, and I do this when I know it is not at a busy time.
I have received a letter with a form to provide consent to my medical records. As none of my other health issues affect my work (I have met 100% of any standards required), and I have never once been late for work, tardy, or unproductive throughout, I want to know if I can agree only for medical records relating to diabetes to be given by my GP. As none of my other health issues have affected my attendance or performance, then I don't see why I need to disclose any of the information related to them to an Occupational Health doctor or to my employer.
Any kind of advice would be appreciated as I am becoming concerned by this.
Thanks
JB