Breaks/Snacks at Work
Breaks/Snacks at Work
| Author: Judy Kohn, RN, BSN, CDE |
| Last Updated: Friday, March 17, 2006 |
Q: "I have type 2 diabetes and I take Amaryl® 4 mg and Actos® 30 mg. I am having a difficult time with scheduling meals. My day begins with mounds of paper work and meetings to attend so that means that sometimes I don't get to eat breakfast or lunch, and end up eating junk food. I am constantly stressed out. How can I let my supervisors, and co-workers know in a tactful way that I need to take breaks and eat my meals and snacks everyday and at the same time without jeopardizing my job?"
A: Your concerns are valid, and it is important that you are able to have your meals on a regular schedule. Have you met with a dietitian and diabetes educator? They should be able to assist you, as well as your doctor could write a letter, if necessary.
It is important that to be clear about what you need, and then to communicate it to your supervisor. The resources listed at the bottom can help you sort this out.
Regarding breakfast--it may be a matter of getting up a little earlier to eat your breakfast before leaving for work. Generally, your diabetes educator and dietitian can help you develop a plan that works for you--i.e. they can provide you with a list of foods that could be easily prepared ahead of time so that you wouldn't have to resort to junk food. If your company has a microwave (and a refrigerator) perhaps you could bring already prepared healthy frozen meals that you can fix in just a few minutes.
So there are two issues:
- Meal Planning: You need to get some help so you know what types of food you can prepare and take with you, if necessary, as well as to develop a reasonable meal plan and schedule.
- You should be able to have lunch breaks: The American Diabetes Association’s website, listed below, provides information on employment discrimination and explains the issue of providing reasonable accommodation to people with diabetes.
Related Questions
Nutrition Advice
Q:
"Can you provide me with some nutrition recommendations for a diabetic
diet? I am newly diagnosed and am afraid to eat anything!"
Related Links
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
http://www.diabetes.org
Diabetes Self-Management
http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com
Joslin Diabetes Center
http://www.joslin.org
Important Notice: The responses provided by the team of Diabetes Educators are based on their personal experiences and expertise as practicing diabetes healthcare professionals, and are not to be considered diabetes management advice from Abbott Laboratories. Remember that information provided by the team of Diabetes Educators is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any healthcare questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to healthcare issues.
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