Diabetics Need Not Apply

As the end of the twentieth century draws near, we can look back with some satisfaction at the progress that has been made in combating discrimination on many fronts and applaud the laws—national, state and local— that have attempted to ensure fair employment practices. For example, it is worth remembering that before 1941, no one with diabetes was eligible for any federal employment, and until 1985, if you took >25 U insulin/ day, you were ineligible for any hazardous federal job, regardless of how well controlled your diabetes might be. Although such blatant and irrational discrimination against people with diabetes has been eliminated, more subtle societal barriers to employment still exist.