Is Diabetes a Disability? What You Need to Know
Many people wonder if diabetes qualifies as a disability. The answer isn’t always simple. In some cases, diabetes is legally recognized as a disability, especially when it affects your ability to work, learn, or take care of yourself.
This guide breaks down what it means when diabetes is called a disability, when protections apply, and how that affects you in day-to-day life from jobs to school to social benefits.
Is diabetes a disability under U.S. law?
Yes. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), diabetes is considered a disability. The ADA is a federal law that protects people from discrimination based on health conditions. It applies to workplaces, schools, public services, and more.
A disability is defined as a physical or mental condition that significantly limits one or more major life activities, according to the EEOC’s definition of disability. Because managing blood sugar is essential to life, diabetes qualifies no matter how well controlled it is.
Even if you don’t think of yourself as having a “disability,” the law still protects you.
What types of diabetes qualify?
All types of diabetes are covered, including:
● Type 1 diabetes – An autoimmune condition where the body doesn’t make insulin. Learn more about type 1 diabetes life expectancy
● Type 2 diabetes – A chronic condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin.
● Gestational diabetes – Diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
● Other forms – Including MODY, LADA, and secondary diabetes caused by other illnesses or medications.
Whether you use insulin, pills, or lifestyle changes to manage your diabetes, the law still applies. The focus is on whether the condition limits your ability to manage daily activities.
Does the ADA protect you even if your diabetes is controlled?
Yes. Even if your diabetes is well managed, you’re still protected by the ADA. That’s because the law looks at how the condition would affect you if it weren’t treated. So if insulin, food planning, or other tools are essential to your health, the law sees that as a valid reason for protection.
This means you can’t be denied a job, removed from school activities, or excluded from services just because of your diagnosis.
What kinds of protections do you have?
If you live with diabetes, the law protects you from unfair treatment and ensures you get reasonable support. This includes:
● Equal treatment at work, school, and public places
● Protection from being fired, demoted, or denied opportunities based on your condition
● The right to request reasonable accommodations to manage diabetes safely
● Freedom to carry and use diabetes supplies
These rights apply in both private and public settings—like workplaces, government buildings, schools, and businesses. Managing your condition might involve tools such as a blood sugar test kit or knowing how to monitor glucose levels at home.
The American Diabetes Association provides resources to help people understand these rights.
What are “reasonable accommodations” for diabetes?
Reasonable accommodations are small changes that help you manage your health while doing your job or attending school. They’re meant to be practical and not burdensome to others.
Common examples include:
● Breaks to check blood glucose or eat a snack
● Time or space to take insulin or medications
● Flexible schedules for doctor visits
● Permission to carry medical supplies or snacks
● Extra time for exams if you experience blood sugar swings
Employers and schools are required to consider your request and provide the accommodation unless it causes major disruption.
Do you have to tell your employer or school?
No one can force you to share your medical history. But if you need accommodations, you’ll likely need to share that you have diabetes.
You might need a letter from your healthcare provider explaining:
● That you have diabetes
● What support you need to stay healthy
Your employer or school is required by law to keep this information private.
What if your request is denied?
If your employer or school refuses to make a reasonable accommodation, you can:
● Appeal the decision internally (for example, through HR)
● File a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
● Talk with a disability rights organization or lawyer
You have the right to be heard, and you can’t be punished for asking for help.
Can diabetes qualify for disability benefits?
Yes, but it depends on how diabetes affects your life.
If diabetes causes complications that make it hard or impossible to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Some examples of qualifying conditions:
● Severe neuropathy (nerve damage)
● Kidney failure (diabetic nephropathy)
● Vision loss (retinopathy)
● Frequent hospitalizations for high or low blood sugar
To qualify, you need medical proof that your condition prevents you from holding a full-time job. That includes treatment history, doctor notes, and test results.
How do you apply for disability benefits with diabetes?
To apply for benefits, follow these steps:
1. Gather your medical records, including hospital visits, medication lists, lab results, and notes from specialists.
2. Visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or call to start your application.
3. Complete the forms and provide evidence of how diabetes affects your ability to work.
4. Be ready to appeal. Many applications are denied the first time, but appeals often succeed.
If you’re not sure where to start, talk to a disability advocate or lawyer.
Can you still work if you receive disability benefits?
Sometimes. The SSA offers work incentive programs like Ticket to Work, which lets people return to work gradually while keeping benefits for a time. You can also work part-time if your income stays below a certain level.
Always check current guidelines with SSA to avoid unintentional violations.
Can children with diabetes receive support?
Yes. Children with type 1 or type 2 diabetes may qualify for services at school under:
● Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
● Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
This might include:
● A health plan outlining insulin or food needs
● Permission to check blood sugar in class
● Trained staff to help younger kids with insulin
Parents should work with the school nurse or administrator to set up a care plan.
Can diabetes be a disability in other countries?
Yes. Many countries recognize diabetes as a disability under their own laws. This includes the UK, Canada, Australia, and EU nations.
Rules vary by country, but many offer similar protections:
● Job accommodations
● Protection from discrimination
● Access to financial benefits or tax relief
If you live outside the U.S., check with your local health or labor department for details.
What should you do if you're discriminated against?
If you think you’ve been treated unfairly because of your diabetes:
● Write down what happened, including dates and names
● Keep copies of emails or documents
● Talk to your manager, school counselor, or HR department
● Contact the EEOC or your local civil rights agency
You can also reach out to organizations like the American Diabetes Association (ADA), which offers legal advocacy and support.
Takeaway: Is diabetes a disability?
Diabetes is legally recognized as a disability when it affects your ability to function at work, school, or in daily life. The law protects your right to be treated fairly, to access accommodations, and to avoid discrimination.
Whether you use insulin, pills, or lifestyle changes, you have the right to support. If diabetes prevents you from working, you may also qualify for government disability benefits.
Understanding your rights can help you advocate for yourself and get the help you need.
Need help managing your condition or understanding your rights? Explore our diabetes support tools or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
References
Cristol, H. (2020, May 7). What to Know About Diabetes and Disability Benefits. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/diabetes-disability-benefits
Fallabel, C. (2023, November 29). Is Type 2 Diabetes a Disability? Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/is-type-2-diabetes-a-disability
Is Diabetes a Disability? | Baptist Health. (2025). Baptist Health. https://www.baptisthealth.com/blog/diabetes/is-diabetes-a-disability
Is Diabetes Considered as Disability? | American Diabetes Association. (2025). Diabetes.org. https://diabetes.org/advocacy/know-your-rights/is-diabetes-a-disability
Proving Diabetes is a Disability | ADA. (2025). Diabetes.org. https://diabetes.org/advocacy/attorney-resources/proving-diabetes-is-a-disability
