Today is World Diabetes Day. Held annually on the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting who co-discovered insulin with Charles Best in 1922, the day marked globally provides an opportunity to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and have important conversations around how diabetes care is delivered.
This year’s theme is ‘diabetes and wellbeing’, with a specific focus on the impact of diabetes in the workplace. In this blog, I want to share some practical tips to help RCN members support colleagues living with diabetes and offer advice you can pass on to your patients about what they can expect in the workplace.
There are 589 million people living with diabetes across the globe. Of these:
• 70% are of working age
• 75% have experienced anxiety, depression or another mental health conditions
• 80% have experienced diabetes burnout
• 40% feel that managing diabetes at work has a negative impact on their mental well-being.
People with diabetes can face daily challenges in the workplace, including stigma, discrimination, and exclusion, all of which can have a negative impact on their overall wellbeing.
Many have reported experiencing harassment and bullying, being overlooked for development and training opportunities, and being denied essential breaks - including toilet breaks - as well as access to snacks and adequate time to rest.
Some individuals might feel uncomfortable managing their diabetes at work due to a lack of understanding or support. They may have been refused time off to attend necessary medical appointments. In many cases, these challenges are compounded by the absence of clear workplace policies designed to support employees living with diabetes.
But there are number of ways diabetic staff can be supported at work.
Private and safe space to use and store medication
A person living with diabetes may need to test their blood sugar levels and/or administer insulin in a clean, safe and private environment. Expecting staff to do this in the toilets is not acceptable. A secure place to store medication and equipment might also be needed.Breaks: Access and time to have food, drinks, toilet breaks and rest
Everyone is entitled to adequate breaks whilst they are working, but this is particularly important for diabetics who may need to test their blood, manage a hypoglycaemia event, take medication and ensure that they can eat at regular times to prevent low blood glucose. Ensuring adequate fluid intake, timely taking of medication and sensible mealtimes promotes better blood glucose control.Trained first aider who is able to treat diabetes related emergencies
It is so important to feel safe at work. I would encourage people with diabetes to inform their work colleagues that they are living with diabetes, and to discuss their symptoms of hypoglycaemia and treatment – and to share this information with their workplace first aider.Diabetes awareness and a stigma-free workplace
Having colleagues who understand diabetes and the way in which it can impact someone at work is vital.Flexible working arrangements
For workers living with diabetes, reasonable adjustments to work patterns may be needed. This will help with better blood glucose control and reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia. Staff need to be confident that they will be able to manage their diabetes appropriately whilst at work.Mental health support
Self-management of diabetes is demanding and complex; monitoring blood glucose, taking medications on time, eating healthy, and managing activity levels can all cause mental health burn out.Diabetes distress refers to the emotional burden and stress associated with managing diabetes on a daily basis. This can include:
• fear of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar episodes)
• anxiety about developing long-term complications due to high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia)
• psychological resistance to starting or continuing insulin or other diabetes medications
• mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders.
Additionally, individuals may experience eating-related challenges, which can range from clinically diagnosed eating disorders—such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder—to disordered eating behaviours.
Healthy food options
A balanced diet is important for protecting health ensuring blood sugar control. Providing healthy food options in the workplace is good for everyone, and makes life a little easier for diabetic colleagues.Promoting physical activity
Encouraging regular physical activity is beneficial for everyone, and especially important for individuals living with diabetes. It offers a range of health benefits, including:
• enhancing the body’s ability to use insulin effectively by reducing insulin resistance
• improving blood glucose control (HbA1c levels)
• lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• supporting healthy weight management
• maintaining joint flexibility and mobility
• boosting mood and reducing stress through the release of endorphins.
Employers can play a valuable role by promoting physical activity in the workplace - for example, by supporting sports teams, organising fitness challenges, or encouraging participation in exercise initiatives.
Accessing information about diabetes
There are large amounts of resources available to inform people about diabetes – for those who want further information around how you can be supported in the workplace, take a look at our RCN Health Ability Passports specifically for those with long term conditions - This passport allows you have a structured conversation with your line manager about how you can be supported in the workplace.
There are many options employers can utilise to make work a safer, kinder place for people with diabetes. There’s so much we as individuals can do too - from wearing blue for World Diabetes Day to raising awareness, or simply offering understanding.
This World Diabetes Day, let’s commit to making workplaces more inclusive and supportive. Because no one should have to choose between their health and their job.
