ABSTRACT
Having diabetes can have profound implications for individuals in the workplace. Due to the increasing number of people who are diagnosed with this disease and the often complex treatment it requires, this issue continues to pose challenges for not only employees with this illness, but also for their employers. The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was influential in promoting accommodations for and nondiscrimination against people with diabetes in the workplace. This article discusses 3 of the elements that can make it difficult for persons with diabetes to file a successful claim under the ADA. These important elements include employee disability status, the ability to perform essential job functions, and direct threat concerns.