Is it a disability for interview purposes?

[dorset123]

I am applying for a job and they guarantee an interview if you have a disability. I have type 2 diabetes and have read that legally is it regarded as a disability because without medication I would not be able to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Should I say I have a disability to get an interview? The form says 'For this purpose disability means any physical or mental impairment or neurodiverse condition which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. '

 

[Pipp]

I am applying for a job and they guarantee an interview if you have a disability. I have type 2 diabetes and have read that legally is it regarded as a disability because without medication I would not be able to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Should I say I have a disability to get an interview? The form says 'For this purpose disability means any physical or mental impairment or neurodiverse condition which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. '

I think the definition intended in the descripion you provide has an emphasis on the words
‘substantial and long term effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities’.
So you need to ask yourself does your T 2 fit that description? I would be cautious about how I responded. Recruiters don’t look too kindly on anyone exaggerating health conditions. Though if that description does fit your circumstances, they will have to look into what reasonable adjustments they need to make to accommodate your needs.

 

[VashtiB]

I agree with @Pipp . While I have type 2 diabetes it really doesn't impact on my ability to work. It does cause minor annoyances at lunches etc and training that involves food but otherwise no impact. I am not on insulin so I don't need to be worried about going hypo.

If you are on insulin my thoughts would be different. The important thing is to consider the definition and be honest about whether you fit within it. I am more likely to qualify because of anxiety and depression rather than diabetes. I chose not to identify as disabled though as in my industry it would be very unhelpful.

 

[Sarah69]

I would never disclose at an interview I’m diabetic. It’s hard enough these days trying to get a job and I’m sure employers do discriminate!

 

[Resurgam]

My type 2 has precisely zero adverse effects - in fact the diet I follow seems to have resulted in an improvement in my physical well being and strength/stamina so I am still working part time and will be 72 next month (how the heck did THAT happen?) unless the pharmaceutical industry finds something else to cause me problems.

 

[lovinglife]

I would never disclose at an interview I’m diabetic. It’s hard enough these days trying to get a job and I’m sure employers do discriminate!

Is that wise considering you are on insulin? It isn’t always a negative thing, they cannot discriminate against you for being diabetic or on insulin, it gives your future employer the chance to make reasonable adjustments for you. What can happen if you are employed by them and they have asked the specific question and you don’t disclose it they can legally fire you for none disclosure. BUT not for a condition/disability itself