Hi
we have had a number of questions recently in relation to staff with
diabetes and i am searching for references i can use.
the main question we have at present is "does diabetes increase the risk
of infection (and subsequent absence)?"
i have spoken to a specialsit nurse at a diabetes unit who says providing
blood sugar is managed risk is no greater however because sugar levels are
affected by infection it takes longer to shift.
she wouldn't let me quote her to managers (how useful was that!) i have
trawled the net to no avail, I've written to a diabetes specialist for
guidance...to no avail.
i have read that the risk of skin and urinary tract infection is slightly
higher (dont know why- one of these web pages with no references) but
nothing of chest infections, coughs, colds etc.
The reason behind this is that we have several employees with type 2
diabetes who have had a high level of absence due to coughs/colds/flu etc
and the company has a stringent absence management policy but if your
absence is linked to a disability then absnce is managed on the 2/3
occasion of absence not each. I am informed that the union has hit on this
and is telling staff with diabetes to say that they have reduced immunity
because of diabetes.
never a dull moment!
jacqui
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