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Work Related Problems

E

Eliza

Member
Messages
5
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Hi All

I have just joined today!!! I need some advice with some problems that I am having at work. I am a mum with 3 children youngest of which is 3 years old. I work for the NHS in a clerical role in a clinic, my normal hours of work are 8.30-4.30 three days a week. I have been off work for about three months due to stress at work related issues and have just returned on a phased return to work. With one week at 4 hours, then 5 hours and then 6 hours and then back to full hours. My problem is that due to the stress that I have had over the last year it has left me fatigued. I am a type 2 diabetic, diet controlled and now since going back to work am finding it difficult to do the long hours. So I requested to reduce my hours, however, I requested it on the grounds of my children being young and issues with childcare. I was embarassed of telling them it is due to diabetes maybe, as at the moment I am unsure if it is the diabetes that is making me tired or the stress. However, they have come back with unhelpful shifts, I had originally requested 9-2.30pm so that I could manage the school drop offs and at the same time it would avoid me getting tired if I worked until 4.30pm. The shift that they are requesting is: Week 1: 8.30-2.30 and Week 2: 10.30-4.30pm. They have advised that is all they can offer, however, on three occassions I have told them that I am getting tired and it maybe because of medication for the stress that I am taking. I don't mind the early shift, but the later shift would make me really tired. I just need advice if I should tell them it is due to the diabetes too. They have given me two weeks to make a decision. To me it seems that they have done this so that I don't change my hours. Please advise what I should or can do. Kind Regards :(
 
Hello Eliza

I think I'd approach my union for advice in the first instance. But I think it would be good if you could say what you fear if you did say you thought it was your diabetes. Are you worried they may push you to take medical retirement? Are you afraid of stigma (I know I for one worry about that as I am overweight)?

Are you in a union?
 
Hi

Thanks for replying, I don't think that they can make me have medical retirement, because I would like to work, however, in the mornings though. I feel better working in the mornings because then I am not so tired. However, I don't know if tiredness is diabetes related or the stress that I have had working in that department with a few members of staff. I am at the moment on phased return to work this is my second week back, working at 5 hours per day, the problems that I left with are still there!! My Gp said to see him after a month during my phased return to work, I am also on stress related medication so unsure if that is causing the tiredness. I may request to the GP if he can request that I work in the mornings and for less hours. I think that I am afraid of the stigma also. The reason why I am afraid to tell them about the diabetes is because I applied for flexible working on the grounds of my children and childcare issues and they may think because I didn't get the hours I requested I am now telling them about my diabetes. However, I have been diagnosed about two years ago with type 2 diabetes. I am in a union but they have not really helped me so far. Thanks.
 
Hi Eliza,
If you are taking antidepressants then this may be the reason for your continued tiredness.
You do not mention if your diabetes is being managed successfully. If your sugars are high then this would make you tired too. It could be a catch22 in that the tablets are pushing your blood sugars up. Some antidepressants do this.
If you need any help with managing the diabetes then let us know, we will try and help you. What are your sugars like on a daily basis?
 
Hi Catherine

Normally my sugar levels are fine they are between 5-6 before eating and then after eating they would be about 8. I think because of stress at work my sugar levels seem to be in the double numbers just lately, I am eating what I normally eat, but am very depressed as I have never come across a situation like this at work before. However, I would like to know if I am allowed to cut my hours and request the GP to ask my employer to let me work in the mornings. I really can't manage working until 4.30pm as I become lethargic and then cannot concentrate. I have told my employer this but they are not bothered!! Its either that or I would have to go on sick leave again, but I want to work, I love my job and I love working with the patients.
Please advise. Thanks :(
 
Hi Eliza

Have you had any tests from your GP to find out why you are so tired? There are many things that can cause extreme tiredness including underactive thyroid, anaemia, vitamin B12 deficiency (this is related to metformin) and vitamin D deficiency.

Doctors are quite happy to put you in the chronic fatigue/ME box and give you antidepressants. It took me nearly three years to get diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency (they just don't test for this unless you are really persistent). Vitamin D deficiency is common if you stay indoors a lot (I work in an office). It makes you feel really tired and depressed.

As a parent you have the right to request flexible working, but they can turn you down. This is a useful link to information from Acas http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=803 with a leaflet to download (the link is at the bottom of the page).

Before you start mentioning the diabetes to your employer, I would go back to your GP and if you haven't been tested for all the things I mentioned, do this first. I found once I was prescribed vitamin D by my GP, I was feeling loads better in about 3 weeks.
 
If you're starting to get numbers into double figures then this would explain the tiredness and fatigue to some degree as well.

Stress is known to raise blood sugar levels and another thing that raises blood sugar levels is carbohydrates of course.

It could be worth considering a lower carbohydrate approach if you're not on this already. Can I ask what typical meals you have during working days are?

Ed
 
Hi

Thanks for your responses. I have been to the doctors and have requested a blood test just to make sure it isn't anaemia or something else. Will hopefully get results next week.

During my working days I only have sandwiches at work with either cheese or tuna, with a fruit.

Thanks :D
 
Eliza said:
Hi

During my working days I only have sandwiches at work with either cheese or tuna, with a fruit.

Thanks :D
Click to expand...
Sandwiches with fruit for lunch is a sure way to tiredness in the late afternoon for many people with blood sugar problems. Could you try a different lunch, without the bread and fruit, perhaps a meat, fish or cheese salad. You may find your afternoon tiredness disappears.
 
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