How is Diabetes Defined as a Disability Under Federal Law?
The following key points apply to federal law:
Diabetes is a disability because it substantially limits the function of the endocrine system
Diabetes can be an “invisible” disability
Diabetes is still a disability, even if a person is healthy and diabetes is well-managed
Diabetes limits the endocrine system. This is the system that regulates insulin and blood glucose (sugar). Specifically, federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act, protect qualified individuals with a disability. Since 2009, amendments and regulations for these laws make clear that diabetes is a disability since it substantially limits the function of the endocrine system. This internal limitation is enough—no outside limitation is necessary. This means diabetes can be an “invisible” disability.
Federal law does not take into account mitigating measures such as medication use when determining whether an individual is a qualifying person with a disability. A person may have diabetes completely under control through medicine and lifestyle changes, and still have a qualifying disability. That means that for the purpose of defining disability, the laws look at how the person would be if they stopped treating diabetes in any way. Usually, that would be very bad. As a result, diabetes is almost always a disability.