What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

In most instances, when we think about Diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes come to mind. 

According to Wellness Advice Canada: 

Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces very little or no insulin. Only about 10% of people with diabetes have it. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition caused by the body attacking its own pancreas with antibodies. It used to be called juvenile-onset diabetes because it often begins in childhood and requires a permanent combination of insulin injections and lifestyle management.

Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces insulin but it is not enough or the body is unable to use it effectively. About 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2. Most people with Type 2 diabetes can control the disease through lifestyle management. More severe cases of Type 2 diabetes may also require oral or injected medication

What Are The Symptoms Of Type 2 Diabetes?

While the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes usually come on quickly and can include frequent urination, extreme hunger, extreme fatigue, sweet-smelling breath, unusual thirst, unusual weight loss, and blurred vision, Type 2 diabetes symptoms are different. They can include:

• Any of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes
• Frequent or recurring infections – especially skin, gum and bladder infections
• Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal.
• Tingling and numbness in hands or feet

Is Type 2 Diabetes a Disability In Canada? 

As far as the law is concerned, diabetes is much like any other medical condition. If the disease limits your ability to do your job, it can be grounds for a short- or long-term Disability claim.

So, how can diabetes impact you at work? To a certain extent, the answer will depend on the specific nature of your job. For example, many people with diabetes experience numbness in their extremities. If you have a physical job that requires you to spend long hours on your feet – or one that needs fine motor skills with your hands – that can make it nearly impossible to perform effectively.

Numbness is not the only symptom that can have that kind of effect. Fatigue is also relatively common, and that can have an impact in any field if you do not have the mental energy to concentrate on tasks that demand your full attention.

The other consideration is whether or not your employer gives you the support you need to manage the condition. As long as they adhere to their treatment regimen, many people with diabetes can live relatively unencumbered lives, and participate in the same activities that they enjoyed before they received their diagnoses.

The problem is that many jobs do not provide the proper accommodations. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can lead to sudden crashes at unexpected times. Those crashes can lead to even more devastating complications if the issue is not dealt with in a timely fashion.

With that in mind, a workplace that enforces a strict, regimented schedule could make it more difficult for employees to care for their own health since they do not have the freedom to take a break and have a snack when their symptoms flare up. By the same token, night shifts and an irregular schedule can be challenging because diabetes is similarly unpredictable.

If your job lacks that combination of stability and flexibility, diabetes could hinder your ability to keep up with assignments that you would have been able to handle in the past. You could be entitled to disability benefits if the situation persists.   

What Are My Options if Type 2 Diabetes is Impacting My Ability To Work? 

If you’re living with diabetes, you may have higher healthcare-related costs than people without diabetes. Financial assistance programs can help offset some of the costs associated with diabetes management.

Various financial assistance programs are offered by governments, communities and groups across Canada. These programs may differ from province to province and eligibility criteria for each program are unique.

The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps persons with disabilities or their supporting persons reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. It was introduced in 1988 to recognize the additional costs incurred by Canadians when managing a physical or mental illness.

People with diabetes typically apply for this credit under the category of life-sustaining therapy (LST). To qualify for the DTC under this category, applicants need a form signed by their doctor stating that they spend an average of 14 hours a week on eligible activities.

Do I Need A Lawyer to Get Disability Benefits?

If you have applied for long-term disability benefits because your Type 2 diabetes has made it impossible for you to work and your claim has been denied, contact the long-term disability lawyers at Share Lawyers. A long-term disability lawyer from Share Lawyers will have better success at getting you the benefits you deserve than if you try to appeal the denial on your own. If you have wondered “are there experienced disability lawyers near me?” the answer is “yes.” Share Lawyers is based in Ontario, but we have helped people all over Canada receive the long-term disability benefits they deserved after they were denied by the insurance companies. Remember, the first consultation is free and we do not accept payment until we win your case. 

If you have had your claim for long-term disability denied, contact the long-term disability insurance lawyers at Share Lawyers. Our experienced team of long-term disability (LTD) lawyers can help. We have recently settled cases against Canada Life, Desjardins, Manulife, RBC Insurance, Sun Life, and many more. We offer free consultations and there are no fees unless we win your case. Find out if you have a disability case.

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