Diabetes is a long-term condition that affects how the body processes glucose, the main type of sugar in our blood. When the body either cannot produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it makes, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. Over time, this can cause serious damage to the heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves. There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2, along with gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy.
You might be wondering what all this has to do with the workplace. The answer is quite a lot. Around one in twelve adults in the UK are living with diabetes, and many of them are of working age. Managing diabetes isn’t just about medical treatment, it’s about balancing lifestyle, diet, stress and routine. The workplace plays a central role in all of these factors. Simply put, if diabetes is not well managed, it harms your ability to do your job.
The symptoms of diabetes can develop gradually, which means many people may not realise they have the condition until it becomes more serious. Typical signs include feeling unusually thirsty, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision and slow healing of cuts or bruises. In some cases, there can be sudden weight loss, increased hunger or a tingling sensation in the hands and feet.
Imagine being at work and your energy levels fluctuate unpredictably or you need to take frequent breaks just to rehydrate or eat. For employees who haven’t yet been diagnosed, these signs can easily be mistaken for stress or exhaustion. That’s why awareness among both workers and employers is essential. Early recognition can make a huge difference in preventing complications and helping employees get the support they need before their health begins to deteriorate.
Managing diabetes looks different for each individual, but the goal is always the same, to maintain blood glucose levels within a healthy range. People with type 1 diabetes rely on insulin injections or an insulin pump to regulate their blood sugar. Those with type 2 diabetes might manage their condition through lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and weight control, though many also require oral medication or insulin therapy.
Modern treatment has made living with diabetes more manageable than ever. Continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps allow people to track and control their blood sugar levels with greater precision and less disruption to their working life. However, these technologies don’t remove the need for ongoing vigilance. Workers should plan ahead for meals, taking regular breaks and adjusting work schedules or tasks.
At the same time, workers can eat balanced meals, keeping snacks or glucose tablets on hand in case of low blood sugar, stay active and taking prescribed medication on time. Small habits, such as short walks during breaks, keeping hydrated and maintaining a regular sleep pattern can have a significant positive impact on blood sugar control.
Workplaces can make it harder to maintain a healthy routine. Shift work, unpredictable hours or demanding workloads can interfere with regular meals or glucose monitoring. Stress management also plays a crucial role, as stress hormones can raise blood glucose levels. The key is communication and planning. Employees should feel empowered to discuss their condition with their manager or occupational health provider so that appropriate adjustments can be made.
From an employer’s perspective, supporting workers with diabetes is part of building an inclusive and responsible workplace. Under the Equality Act 2010, diabetes is recognised as a disability, meaning that reasonable adjustments must be made to accommodate employees’ health needs. But beyond legal obligations, there’s a clear business case for support. When employees feel understood and supported, they’re more engaged, more productive and less likely to take time off due to illness.
Simple measures can make a big difference. This might involve offering flexible break times so employees can check their blood sugar or eat when needed. It could mean providing a private space for administering insulin or storing medication safely in a refrigerator. Managers and colleagues can also benefit from basic diabetes awareness training, understanding the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), for example, can help prevent a medical emergency.
Creating an open and understanding culture is perhaps the most important step. Employees should never feel they need to hide their condition for fear of stigma or misunderstanding. Encouraging open dialogue helps build trust and ensures that health issues are addressed early rather than after they’ve caused problems at work.
While it’s essential to support those who already have diabetes, employers also have an opportunity to help prevent new cases, particularly of type 2 diabetes, which is closely linked to lifestyle factors. Offering healthy food options in canteens or vending machines, encouraging walking or cycling to work and supporting participation in wellness programmes all contribute to a healthier workforce.
As the number of people living with diabetes continues to rise, workplaces must adapt. Employers have a powerful role to play, not only in supporting those with diabetes but in creating environments that help prevent it altogether. World Diabetes Day is a reminder that health doesn’t stop when we clock in for work. With awareness, compassion and the right workplace culture we can beat diabetes together.