Could I Have a Career in Diabetes?

Have you ever considered how much you know about diabetes?

Your lived experience has taught you a lot, and you can’t learn that knowledge in school. Having diabetes puts you in a unique position that you might not have realized. Imagine having a job that uses your knowledge about diabetes as part of your career.

Selecting a career that harnesses your experience as a person with diabetes is one way to become an influential voice within the diabetes community. Working in the diabetes space can also provide flexibility and support for your own diabetes care.  

So, what types of careers and jobs benefit from having lived experience?

Starting in the healthcare space, here are a few:

Mental Health Field

• Clinical Psychologist
• Social Worker
• Licensed Therapist

Healthcare

• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapist
• Exercise Physiologist

Healthcare Business

• Diabetes Industry Sales
• Diabetes Industry Marketing
• Diabetes Industry Product and User Experience
• Diabetes Industry Product Innovation and Engineering

Specialty Services

• Optometrist
• Podiatrist

Clinical Practice

• Clinical Nurse Specialists
• Nurse Practitioners
• Registered Nurse
• Physician Assistant
• Physician (M.D. or D.O.)

Medical Education

• Dietitian
• Health Educator
• Pharmacist

Having diabetes won’t stop you from achieving your career dreams.

Seeing all the PWD doing amazing things is fantastic, including Conor Daily, an INDYCAR driver, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, nationally ranked rock climber Katie Bone, and actress Sharon Stone.

Thinking about your future and what you want to do for a living is hard for everyone. There are many things to consider and some hard decisions to make. These can range from your interests in a career, subject requirements, and job availability. For people with diabetes, another thing to consider is understanding how different careers support diabetes and blood glucose management. 

For example, what helps you manage your diabetes now? Is it a flexible or consistent schedule? Maybe it is being with people who understand diabetes. Maybe it is being active or having a schedule that allows you to exercise. Having a career that works with you and your needs will make managing your diabetes easier.