ALEXANDRIA, VA, Jan 11, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) —
The American Diabetes Association is pleased to announce that the
U.S. State Department has revised its policy for individuals who are
living with insulin-treated diabetes who wish to serve as Foreign
Service personnel. The updated guidelines will allow for
individualized assessment and were the result of a collaboration with
the Association. Previously, individuals with diabetes who used
insulin were unable to become Foreign Service personnel.
“This is a victory for the nearly 26 million people who are living
with diabetes in this country,” said Robert R. Henry, MD, Immediate
Past President, Medicine Science, American Diabetes Association.
Henry provided counsel to the U.S. State Department on the treatment
and evaluation of diabetes. “By collaborating with the American
Diabetes Association, the U.S. State Department serves as an example
of an employer who recognizes the advances in diabetes management and
changed their policies accordingly.”
Association staff and volunteers, including Henry and the late
Christopher Saudek, MD, also a Past President, Medicine Science of
the Association, met with the State Department’s Office of Medical
Services to discuss the jobs performed by Foreign Service personnel
and the medical clearance policies involved in the selection process.
The Association provided information about current diabetes
management practices and counsel on how the State Department could
conduct medical evaluations based on an individual’s specific medical
history. In addition, the Association was able to highlight examples
of people who are living with diabetes and excel in similarly
demanding jobs.
“As a physician, it was a rewarding experience to work together with
the State Department’s Medical Director to create fair policies that
allow the government to employ individuals with diabetes who would be
able to proudly serve their country as outstanding Foreign Service
personnel,” Henry noted. “It is our hope this process becomes the
model for all federal government agencies to follow when working with
individuals who are living with diabetes.”
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop
Diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected
by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and
manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities;
provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those
denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission
is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all
people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the
American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or
visit
www.diabetes.org . Information from both these sources is
available in English and Spanish.
Contact:
Lauren Gleason
703-549-1500 ext. 2622
lgleason@diabetes.org
SOURCE: American Diabetes Association
mailto:lgleason@diabetes.org
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