Introduction
The situation discussed in this essay involves Ms. G., a waitress at a local diner. Ms. G. has been diagnosed with Type I diabetes mellitus, an illness that can have a significant overall impact on her health and ability to work. As such, concerns related to her ability to continue with her current employment have surfaced. No specific information regarding Ms. G.’s current symptoms has been made available, however. As such, the purpose of this essay is to identify and address the particular factors that would have to be considered in the course of an evaluation of Ms. G.’s work capabilities.
Physical Concerns
Diabetes is associated with a variety of issues, including physical difficulties, mental impairments, and more severe complications. According to “Diabetes” (n.d.), the more common symptoms related to physical health include fatigue, vision loss, difficulty standing or walking, dizziness, and seizures. The first four symptoms can be debilitating for a waiter, as the job involves writing down orders and continuously moving back and forth to deliver them.
Dizziness can also be an issue, as a waiter is expected to carry dishes regularly. Seizures can be a severe impairment to any variety of work, but they are not as common as the three symptoms above and therefore are less of a concern. Ultimately, in an active occupation such as that of a waiter, the physical manifestations of diabetes can be a significant obstacle to the completion of one’s duties.
Mental Issues
In addition to physical concerns, diabetes is sometimes associated with mental difficulties. According to “Diabetes” (n.d.), the dangers include confusion and memory loss. Both of these conditions can impair a waiter’s ability to work by interrupting his/her coordination in the busy situation generally expected in a diner. However, the relative simplicity of Ms. G.’s work, as well as the tendency of waiters to write orders down instead of memorizing them, can allow her to keep working despite the impairments. If the symptoms surface, they should still be taken into consideration, but if her coworkers are aware of her situation, they should be able to assist her in overcoming the onset of the difficulties without interrupting the operation of the diner significantly.
Other Concerns
Type I diabetes is associated with a need for regular insulin injections and monitoring. Potential complications include heart disease, kidney failure, and limb amputation, and treatments that imply healthy eating and physical activity (“Diabetes” (n.d.)). While the more severe manifestations of the illness can greatly impair Ms. G.’s ability to keep working, her job allows her to have easy access to positive practices.
The nature of a waiter’s work involves considerable amounts of physical activity, and the diner’s kitchen can be relied on to provide healthy meals while Ms. G. is working. Furthermore, as waiters get breaks, no difficulties related to insulin injections should arise. Overall, as long as Ms. G.’s physical abilities do not become significantly impaired, she should be able to keep working without too much difficulty.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a condition that is associated with a variety of symptoms, both physical and mental. One cannot know in advance which of them will surface, and so the influence of each on Ms. G.’s work should be considered. Generally, the physical symptoms can prove debilitating to the job, while the mental ones can be circumvented. However, as long as she can keep working, the diner provides her with an excellent environment to carry out the general health guidelines.
Reference
Diabetes. (n.d.). Web.