LEO's & Diabetes?

[Amstaff]

Question for those that have been through the process? I have made it past the first round of testing and have a scheduled poly in two weeks. My question: What do you know about LEO's and diabetes? I understand that in most cases it is an automatic turn down but is it still possible to get in?

I am an insulin dependent diabetic that is extremly well controled with zero problems and a doctor to back me up. I just want to know if there are officers out there with diabetes?

Thanks

[Cinnamon]

Hmmm, I think we might have a few on our dept that have diabetes, but not sure if they were diagnosed before or after hire date. If I find out I'll let you know.

By the way, that's awesome that you don't have any problems. My dad's is very brittle. His blood sugar ranges from the low 20's to over 600. It's an awful disease. I wish you the best of luck!

[Amstaff]

Thanks for the response. I try and take pride in taking care of myself! Wow your dads sugar is up and down. If you ever need some advice I'd be more than happy to help out.

[Rad Diver]

I'm an insulin dependent diabetic and was prior to entering the academy. I am on an insulin pump, so it's very obvious.

There can't be discriminations due to some civil law. Don't know much about it, to tired to research it. Txinvestigator or DClaw are pretty good about finding that info out.

What state are you in?

[Rad Diver]

and yes i'm a leo.

[mcsap]

Depends a lot on whether a MD will sign off saying you are properly fit to perform the duties of an LEO.

[acreature]

We had a jailer that would pass out in the control room!

Got on the road at a local PD and totalled a car.... Could not remember what happened. Resigned.

On another local PD and just passed out on the side of the road. Citizen called him in to dispatch.

[Group9]

I know we have some agents who are diabetic, but I don't know if they were already diagnosed when they were hired. But, I think that it may be that it is not a disqualifier if it does not prevent you from passing all of the test and being declared fit for duty.

I have to admit that I don't know for sure.

[Amstaff]

I live in Northern VA just outside of DC. I brought up the pump to my Doc and he said that I didn't need it. I am going to have to check on that one again. Thanks for all the reply's. I know it's not going to be easy but I'm confident that I will make it through.

[P01IC3M4N]

under the ADA, you can't discriminate against an illness if it doesn't interfere with your ability to perform the job duties.

they really can't even ask you what illnesses you have if they aren't a problem for the job. with the new hepa laws, you don't have to disclose anything. the doctor can only be advised to tell them whether you are medically fit to perform the job, not divulge any personal medical information.

we have at least 2 officers with diabetes and i didn't know that until recently when they told me.

[retdetsgt]

We used to DQ for it, but under HEPA, I dunno.... We did have an officer who contracted it after about 20 yrs on the job total a police car when he passed out. The dept could possibly tell the doctor than diabetes is a DQ because of incidents like that and he could then DQ you. From what others have posted, it sounds like it depends on the dept. I seriously doubt mine would want to hire someone with it. If you're already taking insulin at a young age, you have an excellent chance of having a lot of problems later on. A good friend of mine who has it just had his second leg amputation because of it.

[Rad Diver]

I live in Northern VA just outside of DC. I brought up the pump to my Doc and he said that I didn't need it. I am going to have to check on that one again. Thanks for all the reply's. I know it's not going to be easy but I'm confident that I will make it through.

Go and speak to a endocrinologist. Not a regular doctor. I don't know of any doctor that wouldn't recommend the pump. It is like wearing a pancreas on your belt, ankle, or were ever you carry it. It's awesome.

[tomahawk134]

I hope things work out for you. As a type 2 diabetic, I was diagnosed just this year. Fro the Federal Government, your medical condition will be reviewed. Your Doctor will be beneficial in supporting your fitness for duty.

Having worked for over 10 years in training, DIABETES was NOT a disqualifier in attending training. The medical documentation were needed to support a canadiate to paticipate in physical training.

I have worked with and know many DIABETICS on the job. If I can be of further assistance, please let me know

tomwoolworth