Diabetes in the Workplace (World Diabetes Day 2025)
Every year November 14th is World Diabetes Day. It can be difficult to
understand diabetes in the workplace, especially if not everyone is aware of
it. Living with diabetes can be challenging, especially during office parties,
office meetings, and finding time to take a break in the workplace. Often
neglecting time to check blood sugar, blood pressure, and eating a snack can be
tough to do in the workplace. Although not all jobs can make it difficult to
have a lunch break or mini snack breaks; It is necessary to understand how it
is like having diabetes in the workplace.
During busy days
in the workplace, there might be times when one forgets to check blood sugars
because of rushing to complete telephone calls, emails, filing, or other job
duties. Yet, skipping lunch breaks can also make it worse to focus during job
hours. Sometimes having a job with a hostile working environment can also make
it difficult to get a break and take care of one's health. It is recommended to
tell HR if you are having a challenging time in getting enough breaks for
checking your blood sugars. If necessary, get a letter from your medical
provider to let them know you need a lunch break and other work accommodation.
It is estimated
that fifty percent of people are undiagnosed and might have diabetes without
knowing it. Working in a stressful job can also make you get diabetes,
especially if you are at risk of having diabetes. Also, ignoring the symptoms
and other risk factors. Nonetheless, it is possible to get support and be aware
of diabetes in the workplace. Participate in World Diabetes Day by wearing blue
and having an information day about living with diabetes.
Encouraging
everyone to take their lunch breaks and to take snack breaks. Understand the
difference between high blood sugars and low blood sugars. Know the symptoms of
high blood sugars and low blood sugars. As well as ensuring the safety,
support, and understanding of diabetes in the workplace. Have a variety of
drinks and snacks with less sugar or zero sugar in the workplace.
Make sure the
workplace lunchroom has a variety of healthy meals during office parties such
as foods with less sugar, no sugar, low sodium, and no added sugar. Besides that,
avoid having too many desserts and add fruits, Jello, tapioca, or other
healthier selections for desserts. Nonetheless, include water and healthier
snacks for office meetings. Store extra snacks and water in case of an
emergency. Prepare an emergency kit with juice, glucose tablets, chocolate
granola bars, water, hard candy, hand sanitizer, and other items.
Review the items
that you have in the emergency kit. Keep a list of the items and with the
expiration dates. Also, have non-perishable food items in the workplace in case
of an earthquake or other natural weather conditions. Additionally, have a
private room to check blood sugars and a diabetic container to toss the lancets
along with the insulin syringes at work. Have a waste bin for throwing away
test strips.
Do not discriminate
against your coworkers because of diabetes or other diseases. It is recommended
to tell your boss about having flexible work hours, a lunch break, a break to
check blood sugars, and accommodations for work. If needed take a walk outside
of work and ask for time to relax before going back to work. It is essential to
reduce your stress and to manage your diabetes in the workplace. Participate in
a diabetes awareness workshop if offered in the workplace.
If you have
difficulties in seeing a workplace presentation, do notify your boss in person
and without other coworkers present about having the presentation information
printed out in a bigger font size. Another accommodation can be having the
presentation information magnified or typed in a bigger font size. Have a
conversation about diabetes awareness and have a walking day with your
coworkers during lunch break. Additionally, hang posters and informative
infographics in the workplace about type one diabetes, type two diabetes,
gestational diabetes, and prediabetes. Dedicate some time to read about
diabetes, donate to a charity for diabetes, and add blue paper hearts with
information about diabetes.
Hang the blue
paper hearts in the gratitude tree or give the blue paper hearts to all your
coworkers. Make hot tea, coffee, or have carbonated water with sliced fruits
and feel comfortable speaking about diabetes in the workplace. If permitted,
decorate your office or the lunchroom with blue items for World Diabetes Day.
Give out brochures, bookmarks, or small items about diabetes. Wear blue ribbons
to remind everyone about World Diabetes Day and Diabetes Awareness Month.
Lastly, having
work accommodation can make it easier to manage diabetes. Communication,
awareness, and supportive friendships can make your job less complicated. Make
a note or set an alarm clock to remind yourself to check your blood sugars in
the workplace. Also, remind yourself to exercise, to relax, and to be motivated
for work productivity. Understanding your diabetes can help you focus, prepare,
and be ready for completing work tasks.
Remember to take
your medication, insulin, and other medications that your doctor prescribed.
Stay hydrated and practice meditation or mindfulness when you are in your work
breaks. Having diabetes does not stop you from having a part-time or full-time
job; But do not forget to take care of your physical and mental wellness.
Nevertheless, having diabetes does not prevent you from having a joyful time in
the workplace. Here are websites with more information about diabetes and tips
for the workplace.
World Diabetes Day:
World Diabetes Day | About WDDManaging Diabetes in the Workplace-Tips for a Healthier Work Life:
Managing Diabetes in the Workplace: Tips for a Healthier Work Life - Healing Hands for DiabetesSupporting Employees with Diabetes in the Workplace:
Supporting Employees with Diabetes in the Workplace - Workplace Options
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