Diabetes is one of the world’s fastest-growing health challenges — and its impact is felt profoundly in the workplace. According to the IDF Diabetes Atlas, 589 million people were living with diabetes in 2024, and 70% were of working age. Yet, in most workplaces, meaningful diabetes support is still missing.
As World Diabetes Day 2025 highlights the theme of diabetes and wellbeing, a special focus is being placed on diabetes in the workplace with a call to action:
“Know more and do more for diabetes at work.”
This focus is crucial. Millions of people living with diabetes are balancing complex medical needs alongside full-time employment — often without the support, accommodations, or understanding they require.
The Hidden Emotional Toll of Diabetes at Work
Beyond the physical demands of managing diabetes, many individuals experience emotional, psychological, and social challenges heightened by workplace pressures.
- 75% of people with diabetes experience anxiety, depression, or mental health struggles.
- 80% report diabetes burnout — emotional and physical exhaustion from daily disease management.
- Many face stigma, discrimination, or exclusion, making it harder to manage health during the workday.
Worrying about complications, glucose fluctuations, or access to medication can significantly impact job performance, confidence, and overall wellbeing.
The Role of Employers: A Vital Opportunity
Employers play a critical role in creating safe, healthy, and supportive environments for workers with diabetes. Reasonable accommodations can be simple yet transformative.
Practical ways employers can support workers with diabetes:
✔ Provide private spaces
For checking blood glucose levels, administering insulin, or taking medications discreetly and safely.
✔ Allow time off for medical appointments
Regular care is essential to prevent serious and costly complications.
✔ Offer workplace education programs
Raising awareness helps reduce stigma and ensures colleagues know how to support someone experiencing a low or high glucose episode.
✔ Train managers and supervisors
Leadership should understand diabetes basics, emergency response, and harassment prevention.
✔ Implement screening programs
With 252 million adults globally unaware they have diabetes, workplace screenings can identify undiagnosed individuals and reduce long-term complications.
Creating Healthier Work Environments Benefits Everyone
Supporting workers with diabetes is not just about accommodation — it’s about building a workplace culture where health is prioritized.
Effective workplace wellness strategies include:
- Providing healthy snacks and fresh fruit
- Offering nutritious cafeteria options
- Encouraging full lunch breaks with opportunities for physical activity
- Limiting excessive working hours
- Promoting health–work balance, not just work–life balance
- Reducing chronic workplace stress
Work-related stress is particularly dangerous for people with diabetes. Studies show:
- Work stress increases mortality risk by 68% in men with cardiometabolic disease.
- Emotional demands and confrontations in person-facing jobs increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 20–24%.
Crucially, strong social support in the workplace reduces these risks, demonstrating the importance of a supportive, compassionate work culture.
The Future Workforce Depends on Better Diabetes Support
With global diabetes cases projected to reach 853 million by 2050, workplaces must prepare for a rising number of employees managing this chronic condition.
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to:
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Neuropathy
- Vision loss
- Reduced productivity
- Increased absenteeism
A 2021 British Safety Council survey revealed:
- 59% of employers were unaware of their legal responsibilities toward employees with diabetes
- 58% had not conducted risk assessments
- Most lacked explicit workplace diabetes policies
This gap leaves millions unprotected.
A Call to Action for World Diabetes Day 2025
Work is more than a paycheck — it is central to purpose, identity, and wellbeing. Ensuring that employees with diabetes can work safely, confidently, and productively is both a moral responsibility and a smart investment.
This World Diabetes Day, ATLMed joins global health leaders in urging employers and employees to:
- Increase knowledge about diabetes
- Implement meaningful workplace supports
- Encourage health-centered work cultures
- Reduce stigma and discrimination
- Prioritize early detection and prevention
A healthier workforce creates a healthier community — and ultimately, a healthier world.
Let’s build workplaces where people with diabetes can thrive.
