Posted by Dr Michelle Wright
Hello and welcome to Health Matters. I’m Dr Michelle Wright, this week marking World Diabetes Day celebrated annually on the 14th of November.
This year’s theme focuses on an important and often overlooked issue: the challenges faced by people living with diabetes in the workplace.
Starting with a quick look at the bigger picture. Right now, around 589 million people worldwide are living with diabetes and that number is rising.
Even more worrying is that close to half of adults living with diabetes remain undiagnosed.
What exactly is diabetes?
I’m sure those listening know, but simply put, diabetes is a condition where the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps control blood sugar levels. Without it, sugar builds up in the body and over time, this can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and more.
Why does diabetes matter in the workplace?
But diabetes isn’t just a medical condition. It’s something that affects how people live, work, and feel every day.
Of those living with diabetes, around 430 million people are of working age. That’s about 7 in every 10 people with diabetes, meaning the workplace plays a huge role in their daily well-being.
Unfortunately, many workplaces still don’t offer the kind of support people with diabetes need. Employees often face stigma, discrimination, and exclusion, sometimes because of misconceptions or lack of understanding about the condition.
On top of that, 3 in 4 people with diabetes surveyed by the International Diabetes Federation have experienced anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition because of their diabetes. And 4 in 5 say they’ve experienced diabetes burnout – that deep exhaustion from the constant self-management the condition demands.
What can workplaces do to help?
Imagine juggling medication, blood sugar checks, and meal planning, all while dealing with the pressures of work and life. It’s no wonder many people feel overwhelmed.
And many workplaces can make diabetes management harder. Sedentary jobs, lack of access to healthy food, and poor support for mental well-being all increase the risk — not just for those living with diabetes, but for everyone.
Employers have a real opportunity here to make a difference. Creating a safe, supportive, and healthy work environment helps everyone, including employees with diabetes, those at risk, and the organisation as a whole.
That could mean simple steps like:
- Providing healthier food options in cafeterias and vending machines.
- Encouraging short activity breaks or walking meetings.
- Offering flexible scheduling for medical appointments.
- Promoting mental health awareness and peer support.
- And most importantly, fostering understanding and inclusion, so no one feels stigmatized because of their health.
This World Diabetes Day, the message is clear: let’s “Know more and do more for diabetes at work.”
Because awareness isn’t enough, we need action.
- If you’re an employer, think about how your workplace can support health and inclusion.
- If you’re an employee, start a conversation, share information, and advocate for a healthier, more compassionate work environment.
And if you’re living with diabetes, remember, you’re not alone. Your health matters, and you deserve support both at home and at work.
