• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Shift work (huge changes to day to day work pattern).

Messages
3
Location
Gloucester, UK
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi, I've been a type 1 diabetic for 18+ years. I do 4 injections a day. I work in a busy, very stressful call centre. My job involves working shifts, though up until now nothing too drastic. I was working between the hours of 9 - 6.30 with 4 lates shifts (3.30 - midnight) in every month. This has been changed to 7 continuous 3.30 - midnight shifts in a row, couple of days off then 3 X 8-4.30PM shifts, day off, 5 X 1.30-10PM shifts, day off then 9-5.30 for 6 days. Basically it's all over the shop. This will mess up my control / sugar levels. Has anyone experience of such changes in day to day patterns? If so how has it affected your control? Did you raise this with your employer and if you did was anything done to assist (ie more regular shift pattern) or were they not accommodating and you had to change jobs?

Currently discussing all options with employer but need to backup my concerns. Any help / experiences most welcome.
 
hmm I find they do what they like and not bothered so long as you cover their work load :mad:
 
Borrowedtime1965,I done late shifts and night shifts,with me being a security officer,but keep insulin to lunch and dinner.which I presume would be the best course of action workwise
 
Hi Borrowedtime, shift changes can be frustrating but unfortunately is getting more common as business restructure etc. Yes, your employer has an obligation to assist you where possible but you also have a responsibility to manage your diabetes accordingly. It would help if you kept a diary for a few weeks and make adjustments to basal/bolus if required in small increments.
 
Hi, I've been a type 1 diabetic for 18+ years. I do 4 injections a day. I work in a busy, very stressful call centre. My job involves working shifts, though up until now nothing too drastic. I was working between the hours of 9 - 6.30 with 4 lates shifts (3.30 - midnight) in every month. This has been changed to 7 continuous 3.30 - midnight shifts in a row, couple of days off then 3 X 8-4.30PM shifts, day off, 5 X 1.30-10PM shifts, day off then 9-5.30 for 6 days. Basically it's all over the shop. This will mess up my control / sugar levels. Has anyone experience of such changes in day to day patterns? If so how has it affected your control? Did you raise this with your employer and if you did was anything done to assist (ie more regular shift pattern) or were they not accommodating and you had to change jobs?

Currently discussing all options with employer but need to backup my concerns. Any help / experiences most welcome.

Crickey that's a lot of change in shifts, no wonder your control is poor. I only worked one late shift 12-8pm a week and it took me days to get back into control.
I discussed this with my GP who was very supportive and suggested that discuss with my line manager and if not resolved would sign me off till a plan was in place was very reluctant to do his as have never seen my diabetes as a weapon, like some people do (sorry if anyone is offended) My employer was very supportive as under the disability discrimination act we are covered, may be worth having a look. I've been diabetic for 35 years and sadly with age it takes longer to resolve
Good luck x
 
Have you gone to your GP and discussed this, as an insulin pump may be a possibility in such circumstances?
 
Hi Susie,

I've recently had an update from work. They've agreed to let me do constant 9-5.30 shifts though as a compromise I have to work every Saturday. Not ideal but better than the hideous rota they initially proposed. It means I'll work 2 days, day off, work 3 days, day off repeated. Not easy is it :-(
 
Back
Top