Everyone has their own comfort level of what they want to disclose to their family, friends, etc. Millions of people have diabetes mellitus, commonly called diabetes. You may be surprised to know that many of these people don’t even know they have it. Not everyone needs to know, but it is good to receive diabetic testing, for safety reasons. Diabetes is a serious issue. For example, if you play a sport or exercise with a trainer, where there is a high risk of low blood sugar, it is highly suggested to let your coach, team or trainer, know that you have diabetes, so they will understand what adjustments you need to make, to be the best you can be.

Some people find it helpful by creating a list of people who need to know another list of people whom it’s nice to know. Need to know people include teachers, coaches, close friends. Nice to know people can be friends or other people who ask you a lot of questions or other people who you may feel comfortable talking to about being diabetic.

How do you tell someone that you are dealing with a chronic medical condition that might have acute issues?

How you tell people or who you tell that you have a diabetic condition may make a difference on how you feel about yourself and having a diabetic condition. Discretion is the key. Thinking of what to say or how to say it is important, since once you say something, you cannot take it back. Of course, you won’t really know how people will react until you say it.  While some people may have an attitude that diabetes is no big deal, tell everyone, other people will believe that it should only be talked to close family, friends, etc.

Unfortunately, some people are discriminated against in the workplace because of their medical condition. Taking care of a diabetic related condition does require attention to diet, medicine, blood glucose monitoring. This may take time during work hours. While some people understandably may want to be secretive about it, if you are at risk, it may be helpful telling someone at work, at least tell them some basics about diabetes so they can be of assistance if you need it.

Some people who have diabetes need to take more time off from work for medical appointments and are greater risk of depression, which is one of the leading causes of why people take off time from work. If you are diabetic, know your legal rights. Click on the legal advocacy page of the ADA site.

Each state has different rules and regulations. For Drivers license regulations, each state have special licensing rules governing medical conditions that may apply to people with diabetes. Some states apply these rules to all drivers with diabetes, while many others apply them only to those who have actually experienced episodes of altered consciousness due to the disease or have other complications of diabetes. Special licensing rules can include requirements for periodic medical evaluations from a physician and prohibitions on driving for a period of time after an episode of lost consciousness. To find out the licensing requirements of a particular state click here.

Having a support group is very important. To find out where diabetes support groups are in your local area, visit the American Diabetes Association website at

If you are a parent of a child that has diabetes, an adult with diabetes, or a young adult we have a library of diabetes information. To view or post messages on the ADA discussion forum. Click here