Is Diabetes A Disability?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar (glucose) levels, often requiring ongoing management through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes. Whether diabetes is considered a disability depends on how significantly it impacts an individual’s daily life and ability to perform routine activities.

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.

Disability Benefits for Diabetes

Disability Benefits for Diabetes 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.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with Diabetes

A diagnosis of diabetes mellitus can greatly impact your ability to maintain employment. To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), however, a diagnosis alone is unfortunately not enough. The Social Security Administration (SSA) must determine that your diabetes is so severe that it precludes you from engaging in any Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) for at least 12 months.

SSDI is a federal insurance program for individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. This article outlines how the SSA evaluates diabetes claims and the evidence required to build a successful application for these earned benefits.

How the SSA Evaluates Diabetes for Disability Benefits

The SSA evaluates diabetes mellitus under its Listing of Impairments, specifically Section 9.00, Endocrine Disorders. There is no listing that automatically qualifies an individual based solely on a diabetes diagnosis. Instead, the SSA’s evaluation is twofold: it assesses the complications of the disease and how they functionally limit your ability to work.

To approve an SSDI claim, the SSA will determine if your condition:

Meets or Equals a Blue Book Listing: The SSA first analyzes whether the complications from your diabetes are severe enough to meet the criteria of a listing for another affected body system (e.g., neurological, cardiovascular).
Prevents All Substantial Work: If your condition does not meet a specific listing, the SSA assesses your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). An RFC evaluation determines the most you can do in a work setting despite your limitations. If your RFC prevents you from performing your past work or any other work existing in the national economy, your claim may be approved through a “medical-vocational allowance.”

Common Complications That Can Meet a Listing

The strength of an SSDI claim for diabetes rests on documenting its severe effects on other body systems. These complications are evaluated under their own respective listings:

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Severe nerve damage causing pain, numbness, or weakness is evaluated under Listing 11.00 (Neurological Disorders). Evidence must show significant limitations in your ability to stand, walk, or perform fine and gross movements with your hands.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Vision loss is evaluated under Listing 2.00 (Special Senses and Speech). You may qualify if your vision in your better eye, even with correction, falls below certain statutory blindness or legal blindness thresholds.
Diabetic Nephropathy: Chronic kidney disease is assessed under Listing 6.00 (Genitourinary Disorders). This requires documentation of severely reduced kidney function, the ongoing need for dialysis, or a kidney transplant.
Cardiovascular Issues: Heart disease, chronic heart failure, or peripheral vascular disease are evaluated under Listing 4.00 (Cardiovascular System).
Amputations: The amputation of a limb due to diabetic complications is evaluated under Listing 1.20 (Amputation).
Skin Infections & Ulcers: Chronic, non-healing skin lesions that persist for at least three months despite prescribed treatment may be evaluated under Listing 8.04 (Chronic Infections of the Skin).

Common Reasons for Denial of Diabetes-Related Claims

Many initial SSDI applications for diabetes are denied. Understanding these common reasons can help you prepare a stronger case.

Insufficient Medical Evidence: The most frequent reason for denial is a lack of objective medical records. Your file must contain consistent documentation from treating physicians, including blood sugar logs, HbA1c results, and detailed records of all related complications.
Condition Is Deemed “Controlled”: If evidence suggests your diabetes is adequately managed with medication, diet, and exercise, the SSA will likely conclude it is not severe enough to preclude all work.

Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment: If you do not adhere to your doctor’s treatment plan without a valid reason (e.g., documented inability to afford medication, severe side effects), the SSA may deny your claim for “non-compliance.”
Capacity to Perform Other Work: Even with significant limitations, the SSA may determine that you retain the capacity for sedentary or other less demanding work. A denial often results from the SSA concluding that your RFC does not rule out all forms of employment.

Calculating Your Potential SSDI Benefit Amount

Your monthly SSDI benefit is not based on the severity of your disability. Instead, it is calculated based on your average lifetime earnings on which you paid Social Security taxes. The SSA uses a formula to determine your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which forms the basis of your monthly payment. In 2025, the average SSDI benefit is approximately $1,600, but your specific amount will depend entirely on your personal earnings history.

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.

Is Diabetes a Disability? Definition and Overview