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Evaluating Diabetic for Impairment Associated with Hypoglycemia

Purpose: To identify a diabetic who should be evaluated for impairment associated with hypoglycemic episodes.

Description

Most patients with diabetes are not impaired by hypoglycemic episodes and can work full time. A belief of the American Diabetes Association is that any person with diabetes should be eligible for any employment for which the patient is qualified, provided appropriate accommodations are made.


 

Low risk for hypoglycemia:

(1) Type 2 diabetic managed by medical nutrition therapy and exercise (lifestyle changes)

(2) Type 2 diabetic managed with appropriate doses of a biguanide, thiazolidinedione or alpha-glucosidase inhibitor

(3) high level of hypoglycemia awareness

 

High risk for hypoglycemia:

(1) Type 1 diabetes with frequent episodes of hypoglycemia

(2) Type 1 diabetes with significant hypoglycemia unawareness

(3) prolonged fast and/or sickness

 

Other factors to consider:

(1) access to dextrose and/or glucagons in the event of hypoglycemia

(2) presence of co-workers to assist

(3) risk of self-injury if suddenly incapacitated

(4) risk of injury to others if suddenly incapacitated (bus driver, airplane pilot, etc)

 


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Specialty

Objective

ICD-10