Is Diabetes A Disability?

The short answer is yes. In the US, Type 1 Diabetes is classified as a disability. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people with diabetes must be provided with reasonable accommodations. Furthermore, they have the right to live their lives as normally as possible. 

The Rehabilitation Act acts as a protection for qualified individuals with disabilities. There have been amendments since 2009 that have made it clear that diabetes is a disability. Diabetes is known to limit the function of the endocrine system. 

Diabetes has the potential to, but does not always, render a person disabled. The condition falls under the category of endocrine disorders mentioned in section 9.00 of the Blue Book. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates diabetes in terms of the impairment to the body system affected. If you are unable to earn a living due to your condition, this can be considered a disability disorder for diabetes that will allow you to receive benefits.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that occurs due to higher blood glucose levels in the body. Further, it affects how an individual’s body converts food into energy. The main source of energy for us is blood sugar, which comes from the food we eat. With diabetes, the blood sugar becomes too high and uncontrolled. Diabetes can often be managed through lifestyle changes or with medication. But in some cases, these treatments are not effective. 

When diabetes cannot be regulated, it can give rise to many other medical complications. The resulting issues brought on by a high glucose level can enable a person to become eligible for disability for diabetes. 

According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report, in 2018, approximately 34.2 million people in the US had diabetes (10.5% of the population). Out of this group, 7.3 million individuals, or nearly 3% of the population, were unaware they had the condition. Diabetes affects approximately 26.8% of people over the age of 65. About 95% of diabetes cases are Type 2.

Types Of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects insulin production in the body. Insulin is responsible for sending signals to other body cells for absorbing excessive glucose. When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, blood sugar tends to rise. This is the hallmark of diabetes.

Diabetes has two forms: Type 1 (insulin-dependent diabetes) and Type 2 (adult-onset diabetes). While Type 1 diabetes onset is early in life and usually genetic, Type 2 arises in adulthood, usually due to lifestyle factors.

Q. Is Type 1 A Disability?

The short answer is yes. Type 1 diabetes is protected as a disability according to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). With Type 1, the individual’s body no longer produces insulin. It is more common in young adults and children. Type 1 diabetic patients must take insulin every single day.

Q. Is Type 2 A Disability?

Yes. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, people with diabetes must be provided accommodations and rights to live their lives normally. Although the person with Type 2 still produces some insulin, it does not function properly. The form generally has a gradual onset and is more common in middle-aged and older people. Type 2 diabetes can often be managed by diet, exercise, and oral medication.

When diabetes is untreated or improperly treated, it can lead to blindness, mobility loss, reduced instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) or basic activities of daily living (ADL), and other disorders.

Can You Get Disability For Diabetes?

Yes, in most of the laws, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are protected as disabilities. However, to get disability for diabetes, you will need to prove to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you are unable to work due to the condition. The disease must make it impossible for you to work for 12 months or longer. The damage must be severe enough to limit your ability to perform tasks.

People with disabilities such as diabetes often have lower quality of life and can’t work. Thus, getting SSDI or SSI for diabetes can help individuals meet their financial needs. Unfortunately though, most people find that the application process for disability is long and difficult.

What Happens When A Woman Experiences Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is unique to pregnant women. Most women who suffer from this form no longer require treatment after giving birth. However, women with this type are more prone to develop Type 2 diabetes in the future.

Both medication and diet can have an impact on blood sugar levels. Many patients successfully manage their blood sugar levels by maintaining the recommended diet and by taking medication. However, this may not be the case for all people with diabetes.

Disabling Conditions Resulting From Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes can become serious and even fatal. The condition can cause many other issues, including but not limited to:

• Vision problems, such as blurred vision or even blindness
• Reduced blood flow to limbs, potentially requiring amputation of one or more limbs
• Cardiovascular problems or heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney problems
• Skin infections
• Depression

Many other complications can arise due to uncontrolled diabetes, such as peripheral neuropathy that causes pain and numbness, neuropathy characterized by kidney damage, retinopathy, and others.

SSA Eligibility Criteria For Diabetes

The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a strict procedure to verify a medical condition. Benefits approval will depend on the ways diabetes is affecting body function.

You can get disability benefits for diabetes if:

• Your diabetes is not under control despite treatment
• You are suffering from severe health issues that occurred due to uncontrolled diabetes

When blood sugar level remains too high in the body, many body parts become prone to damage. For example, DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) is a life-threatening condition that occurs due to hyperglycemia. 

The heart, brain, and intestines can all become damaged due to DKA. If hyperglycemia continues, it can further affect blood vessels or nerves. Due to this, issues can develop with the intestines, heart, brain, eyes, and kidneys.

Diabetes and disability are indirectly related. The SSA can grant you benefits if your healthcare expert predicts that diabetes will continue to negatively impact your life for at least a year.

File Your Disability Application With Help From Chermol & Fishman, LLC

Unfortunately, denials for disability benefits are widespread. Many applications are rejected due to simple errors, so a good deal of hassle can be avoided by fully understanding the application process. 

An experienced disability attorney in Alabama can be your ally that eases the application and disability evaluation procedures. Call Chermol and Fishman today to organize a free case consultation.

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