Do I have to tell my employer I have diabetes?
In most jobs, no, you don't. Your health is your business, and there's no general rule in the UK that says you have to tell your employer you have diabetes.
But there are a few exceptions, and there are some good reasons why telling them can work in your favour. Here's how to decide, and what to say if you do.
When you might have to tell them
- Safety-critical jobs. If you drive, work at heights, use heavy machinery or do another job where a hypo could put you or others at risk, your contract or company rules may say you must tell them.
- Jobs with medical standards. Some jobs, like the armed forces, the police and some transport roles, have their own health rules.
- Driving. If you drive for work, the DVLA has its own rules. You must tell the DVLA if you're on insulin, and the rules are stricter for lorry and bus drivers. Check the DVLA pages on gov.uk.
- Health questionnaires. If you're asked about your health after being offered a job, answer honestly.
Why it can help to tell them
I know it can feel risky. Lots of people worry they'll be treated differently or seen as less capable. But there are some real benefits.
They can't help with something they don't know about. Your employer has a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled staff, like breaks to eat or time off for appointments. That duty only really kicks in once they know, or should reasonably know.
You may be protected by law. Diabetes often counts as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. That means your employer can't treat you unfairly because of it. More on this in Is Type 2 diabetes a disability?
Sickness absence can be handled fairly. If your absences are linked to your diabetes, your employer should think carefully before counting them against you. They can only do that if they know.
Someone knows what to do if you have a hypo. If you take insulin or tablets like gliclazide, it's safer if at least one person at work knows the signs and what to do.
Who to tell and what to say
You can tell your line manager or HR, whichever feels easier. You don't have to share everything. Just tell them what they need to know to support you.
You could say something like: "I wanted to let you know I have Type 2 diabetes. It's well managed, but it would help if I could take my breaks at regular times, and I'll sometimes need time off for appointments."
It's a good idea to follow it up in writing, so there's a record. It doesn't need to be long:
Dear [name],
Following our chat, I'm writing to confirm that I have Type 2 diabetes. It would help me to [take breaks at regular times / have somewhere private to test / have time off for diabetes appointments]. I'd be grateful if this could be kept confidential and only shared with people who need to know.
Kind regards,
[your name]
What your employer should do next
A good employer will have a private chat with you about what you need, agree any adjustments, write them down and keep your information confidential. If your job has safety risks, they may do a risk assessment with you.
There's also a government scheme called Access to Work, which can help pay for support at work if you have a health condition. It's worth checking on gov.uk.
If you're an employer reading this, the other side of the story is in Type 2 diabetes at work: the law in the UK, and my free 7-day plan walks you through the first week after someone tells you.
Can I be sacked for having diabetes?
Not because of your diabetes, no. If your diabetes counts as a disability, sacking you or treating you badly because of it would usually be discrimination. That includes things like disciplining you for absences caused by your diabetes without thinking it through.
If you think you're being treated unfairly, write things down, speak to HR, and contact Acas for free advice. If you're in a union, talk to your rep.
Look after the rest
Work is only one part of living with Type 2. If you've only just been diagnosed, read Just diagnosed with Type 2? What to do first, and grab my free guide for your numbers, your food and your bad days in plain English.
This is general information, not legal advice. For your own situation, speak to Acas, your union or an employment lawyer.
Get my free Type 2 guide
Your numbers, your food and your bad days, explained in plain English. It's the chat your GP didn't have time for.
Send me the free guide
Are you an employer? Get the free 7-day plan for managers and HR.
Questions people ask
Can I be sacked for having diabetes?
Not because of your diabetes. If it counts as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, dismissing you or treating you badly because of it would usually be discrimination. Acas gives free advice if you're worried.
What are my rights as a diabetic at work?
If your diabetes counts as a disability, you have the right not to be discriminated against and to ask for reasonable adjustments, such as regular breaks or time off for appointments. Your health information should also be kept confidential.
Does diabetes affect getting a job?
For most jobs, no. Employers usually can't ask about your health before offering you a job. A few jobs, like some driving and safety-critical roles, have their own medical standards.
Keep reading
Auriel isn't a doctor or a lawyer. This is general information from her own experience and UK guidance. Always follow your GP and diabetes team.