Individuals who have diabetes that permanently prevents them from working may be eligible for disability benefits.

Diabetes is present with some or all of the following co-morbid diseases:

• Retinopathy – Individuals who have blurred vision between 20/100 and 20/200 in their better eye.
• Nephropathy – This pertains to kidney function. If the patient requires daily dialysis or otherwise has unsafe levels of minerals in his or her plasma due to poor kidney filtration, he or she may be eligible for disability benefits under this listing.
• Peripheral neuropathies – Individuals meet this listing if their nerve damage causes a significant disruption in the claimant’s ability to use their hands in a skilled way, stand or walk.
• Heart conditions – A variety of heart conditions may be caused by diabetes, including chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, an irregular heartbeat, and peripheral vascular disease.
• Amputation – If nerve damage caused you to lose a hand or foot, the claimant may be eligible for benefits.

These are just a few of the problems experienced by someone with diabetes.

Diabetes happens when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to process glucose. Diabetes can often be controlled with treatment — a combination of medication and diet. However, sometimes diabetes can’t be controlled, and then it can cause damage to internal organs and other problems that may disable you from continuing to work.