Diabetes and Disability Series- Part 1 : Do I Qualify & How Long Will I Be Out of Work

Dr. G dives into the complex reality of disability for people with diabetic foot ulcers — explaining why a diagnosis alone doesn’t determine disability, how occupation, ulcer characteristics, infection, blood flow, blood sugar, pressure, offloading, nutrition, and smoking affect healing, and why return-to-work decisions focus on function rather than timelines. This episode emphasizes empathetic communication, accurate documentation, realistic expectations, and the difference between temporary and permanent disability, offering a clear view of why healing varies and how clinicians and patients can work together toward recovery.