will type one diabetes stop me from being a prison officer?
i have applied to be a prison officer, ive passed the application process and the aptitude test i am awaiting the date to attend the assesment center but i have not been asked if i have any health issues, i have had diabetes for 17 years it is well controlled and i have no diabeteic complications, i am on insulin. i just want to know if im wasting my time, the form did ask me if i considered myself to have a disability which i dont so i answered no, but diabetes is covered in the disability discrimination act
On most applications you dont even have to tell the employer. Is this application as thorough as a police officer position? Will you be required to complete physicals and in depth questionnaires that will ultimately reveal your condition?
Legally you’re protected from discrimination as long as your disability doesn’t interfere with your ability to perform. This is all very pretty on parchment paper with a notary seal, but we all know there are plenty of ways around discrimination.
Being diabetic can interfere with a prison officer job if your diabetes is not in good control. Some diabetics can’t help it, they just ride a roller coaster with their BG, others, especially as adults, get lazy. And if you’re low on the job, people are put at risk. If a diabetic secretary is low, no one is in danger. You say your diabetes is well controlled. So take yourself out of the equation for a moment. Think only of the people you protect when you ask yourself if your management won’t affect your ability to think on your feet, react, use strength, and perform all the duties that a low or high would impair.
The argument could be made that if you’re a good candidate with good diabetes management, your diabetes inhibits you even less than, for example, a smoker. Plenty of your coworkers are sure to be smokers. How are they of better use to the prison than you?
I hope you receive a fair interview and opportunity. Good luck.
P.S. Mamasmurf makes a very good point. If you choose not to disclose it, make sure you wear a medic bracelet. Thumbs up to mamasmurf 
