Diabetes

Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas, which opens the doors (the glucose channels) that allow glucose to move from the blood into the body’s cells.

In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas stops making insulin altogether whereas in type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not create enough insulin to meet the body’s needs and does not work effectively. This insulin deficiency in both types of diabetes means the body burns fats for energy instead of glucose; high blood glucose levels cause the health problems linked with diabetes.

Effect of rail on condition

People with Type 1 and 2 diabetes can be adversely affected by irregular meal and sleep times.
The sedentary nature of some jobs in rail can be detrimental to these conditions. Insulin dependent diabetics may have trouble with regular blood-sugar monitoring.

Effect of condition on rail (Types 1 and 2)

Diabetes may affect a person’s ability to perform safety critical work through impairment or loss of consciousness during hypoglycaemia. Diabetes can also cause end-organ effects, including effects on vision, the heart, the peripheral nerves and vasculature of the extremities, particularly the feet. Sleep apnoea is also more common in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Effect of treatment on rail

Treatments such as insulin may lead to low sugar levels (hypoglycaemia) which may impair ability to work safely. Controlling blood sugar levels is vital for normal cognitive function and essential for safety critical railway work. Most oral medications are unlikely to cause hypoglycaemia.

Approach to fitness for duty

More likely to be fit for duty if;
You are more likely to be certified fit for duty if you can show that you have been managed by your treating doctor, have good control of blood sugars and have no evidence of end-organ damage.

Less likely to be fit for duty if;
You are less likely to be certified fit for duty if you fit the following descriptions: Hypoglycaemia and organ damage, poor glucose control or have recent diagnosis and have not been stabilized on medication.

You are unique
Every case of diabetes is different. How you are affected by diabetes will depend on a range of circumstances. The assessing Authorised Health Professional makes decisions on a case-by-case basis. Decisions are based on the individual circumstances of the applicant under consideration.

Letter from your treating doctor
If you are diabetic and are considering applying for a position at Metro Trains Melbourne, please bring any relevant information from your treating practitioner detailing your medical condition with you to your medical assessment.