Job Discussion Forums

web fishing · Joined: 02 Jun 2005 Posts: 95

I have Type 2 Diabetes in which my insulin is mainly controlled by diet and exercise, however, sometimes I need medication to help lower my insulin level. I am planning on teaching in the UAE or Oman and was wondering if there are any other diabetics out there who can give me some advice on the availability of medication? How are the hospitals in monitoring and treating diabetics, etc..?

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

... is a very common illness in the Gulf states, so I imagine insulin is readily available here.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Yes, it is a very common disease there. But, I wonder if it may not keep you from being hired. I have never worked with anyone who was diabetic. I fear that because of the fact that the medical system is free, they may exclude someone who could be seen as a financial drain.

I don't know of it happening, but there is a possiblity.

VS

nomadykaty · Joined: 03 May 2004 Posts: 60

I don't think you'll have a problem getting medical treatment in the UAE nor getting hired. I work with a person who was diagnosed with cancer before she started her job in the UAE and another who knew she was pregnant before she signed her contract. So I can't imagine that they would not hire you.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Pregnant is never a problem... They are so family oriented that they never consider it a bad thing. (unless one is single, of course)

I have heard various results with cancer. I recall a man who stayed and eventually died there (though he got very good treatment), and I know another who was terminated and sent home. It may depend on the employer.

VS

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Some employers will consider diabetes as valid grounds to terminate you. Some are more understanding.

25 percent of the population of KSA is diabetic

middleeast_not · Joined: 14 Jul 2005 Posts: 5

I'm a insulin dependent diabetic in Bahrain. It is very common here, but like you they are Type 2. Insulin is easy to get, but expensive here, i don't need a prescription i simply walk into a pharmacy.

What I don't recommend here, under any circumstance is to trust the medical staff here for anything serious. I would fly out to UK or America for that. Despite however money they have spent, the quality is so poor.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Medical treatment depends on where you go. I had a quadruple heart bypass in a hospital in Saudi Arabia. Unthinkable a few years back !

web fishing · Joined: 02 Jun 2005 Posts: 95