Diabetes and Well-being in the Workplace
Creating supportive work environments where everyone can thrive with diabetes
Every workday, millions manage diabetes while working—checking blood sugar discreetly, skipping insulin to avoid judgment, and pushing through fatigue in silence.
World Diabetes Day 2025 (November 14) focuses on "Diabetes and Well-being" in the workplace, urging everyone to "Know more and do more for diabetes at work."
This matters because 7 out of 10 people with diabetes are working age, representing a significant portion of the workforce who deserve supportive, stigma-free workplaces.
Whether you have diabetes, work with someone who does, or lead a team, this guide explains how we can all make workplaces healthier and more inclusive.
Understanding Diabetes: The Basics Everyone Should Know
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a long-term condition where the body either doesn't make enough insulin (Type 1) or can't use it properly (Type 2). Insulin helps sugar enter cells for energy. Without it, blood sugar stays high, harming vessels, nerves, and organs. Managing diabetes daily prevents complications.
Main Types
Type 1 (5–10%): Autoimmune; destroys insulin-producing cells. Often starts young. Needs lifelong insulin. Not caused by lifestyle.
Type 2 (90–95%): Body resists insulin or makes too little. Develops slowly, linked to habits and genetics. Can often be prevented, delayed, or managed with lifestyle changes, medication, or insulin.
The Global Crisis
589 million adults worldwide have diabetes—expected to reach 853 million by 2050.
Over 40% are undiagnosed.
UAE has particularly high rates (1 in 5 adults).
Diabetes impacts health, productivity, mental well-being, and work life.
Diabetes in the Workplace: The Hidden Challenges
Daily Realities for Employees with Diabetes
Managing diabetes requires ongoing attention: frequent blood sugar checks, careful meal timing, medication or insulin doses, recognising low blood sugar, managing fluctuating energy, and routine medical visits.
Emotional Impact
Employees may fear judgment, worry about job security, struggle with anxiety or burnout, and sometimes hide their condition.
Worker Perspectives
"Diabetes impacts my confidence and progression at work."
"Unfair treatment and misconceptions affect people’s opportunities."
"I hide my diabetes because I’m afraid of being judged."
Stigma and Misconceptions
Common myths persist, such as believing people with diabetes can't handle demanding jobs, that diabetes is caused solely by diet, or that it isn't serious. In reality, people with diabetes can excel at any job if supported, and the condition is complex and requires constant effort.
Connection to Mental Health
People with diabetes are 2–3 times more likely to face depression and anxiety. Diabetes distress is common, leading to overwhelm, frustration, and isolation. Work stress can worsen both blood sugar control and mental health, creating a challenging cycle.
Creating Diabetes-Friendly Workplaces: Key Employer Steps
1. Raise Awareness
Add diabetes topics to wellness programs.
Share information in November for Diabetes Awareness Month.
Host healthcare speakers and train managers on basics.
Promotes support, not stigma.
2. Offer Flexible Policies
Provide flexible breaks and work-from-home for medical needs.
Set up private areas for medication.
Adjust shifts as needed and offer cold storage for supplies.
3. Supportive Environments
Supply healthy snacks and water.
Ensure medication refrigeration and allow personal supplies at desks.
Private spaces for medical care (not bathrooms).
At meetings: healthy food, breaks for checks, and considerate scheduling.
4. Encourage Physical Activity
Walking meetings, fitness classes, and standing/treadmill desks.
Lunchtime walking groups and activity incentives.
Regular movement aids blood sugar control and reduces stress.
5. Mental Health Support
Form peer groups and normalise mental health discussions.
Offer stress management sessions.
6. Inclusive Culture
Foster open communication about health.
Managers model openness.
Celebrate key diabetes awareness dates.
Respect individual management needs; avoid assumptions.
Communicate Clearly
Option 1: "I have diabetes and may need breaks to manage it, but my work will be on time."
Option 2: "I have a medical condition that requires scheduled eating and short breaks. Can we discuss how to manage this with my duties?"
Share only what's needed for accommodations.
Build Your Support System
At Work: Tell a trusted colleague, keep glucose supplies handy, inform coworkers about low blood sugar signs, and consider joining or starting a support group.
Outside Work: Engage with diabetes communities, consult educators or counselors, use management apps, and check in with your healthcare team regularly.
Manage Stress Proactively
Set boundaries, meditate or breathe deeply for 10 minutes, take real breaks, prioritise 7-8 hours of sleep, and seek help when needed.
Transforming Diabetes Management at Work
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM):
Wearable sensors (on the arm/abdomen) track blood sugar levels 24/7 and send data to your phone.
No finger pricks during meetings
Discreet smartphone checks
Predictive alerts for early warnings
Reduces surprise blood sugar swings
Boosts work confidence and performance
Available in UAE: Dexcom G7, FreeStyle Libre;
Smart Insulin Pens & Pumps:
Automatically track doses, send reminders, and sync with apps.
Prevent missed doses
Accurate tracking, no paperwork
Integrate with CGMs for comprehensive management
Discreet insulin delivery
AI Diabetes Apps:
Predict meal impact on blood sugar
Suggest optimal eating/exercise times
Provide insights and connect to healthcare providers
Simplify diabetes management
PRIME Health: Ask your doctor about using CGM and AI to improve diabetes care at work. Or Join free Remote Diabetes management -Falak Tayyeb Programme https://ads.primehealth.ae/falaktayyeb/
Prevention: Supporting Employees at Risk
Who's at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?
✅ Overweight or obese (BMI >25)
✅ Sedentary lifestyle (desk job, little movement)
✅ Age 35+
✅ Family history of diabetes
✅ High blood pressure or cholesterol
✅ PCOS (women)
✅ Previous gestational diabetes
✅ Prediabetes diagnosis
Workplace Prevention Programs
Employer-Sponsored Initiatives:
Free or subsidised diabetes screening
Nutrition education and healthy eating workshops
On-site fitness classes or gym memberships
Weight management support programs
Smoking cessation programs
Stress management resources
Why Prevention Matters: Lifestyle changes reduce diabetes risk by 58%—more effective than medication alone (31%).
Individual Prevention Steps
For At-Risk Employees:
Month 1:
Replace sugary drinks with water or unsweetened tea
Walk 20 minutes daily (before work, lunch break, after work)
Choose brown rice over white rice
Get diabetes screening (fasting glucose or HbA1c)
Month 2-3:
Increase exercise to 30-45 minutes, 5 days/week
Add vegetables to every meal
Lose 5-7% of body weight (if overweight)
Sleep 7-8 hours consistently
Manage stress with daily relaxation practice
Results: This simple plan can cut your diabetes risk in half.
PRIME Health: Your Partner in Diabetes Care
At PRIME Health, we understand that diabetes management extends beyond the clinic into every aspect of your life—including your workplace.
Our Comprehensive Diabetes Services
Technology-Enabled Care:
CGM setup and training
Smart insulin pump management
Telehealth consultations for busy professionals
Join free Remote Diabetes management -Falak Tayyeb Programme https://ads.primehealth.ae/falaktayyeb/
Personalised Support:
Diabetes nurse educators
Nutrition counselling (culturally sensitive for the UAE)
Employer wellness program partnerships-Falak Tayyeb Program: Our chronic disease management program offers:
Regular health monitoring
GP telehealth support
Dietitian consultations
Medication management
Family education
Workplace Wellness: We partner with UAE employers to provide:
On-site diabetes screenings
Educational workshops
Personalised prevention programs
Employee support resources
Contact PRIME Health at myprime@primehealth.ae today to learn how we can support your diabetes management or your company's wellness initiatives.
Your Action Plan: 3 Steps to Take This World Diabetes Day
STEP 1: Know Your Status
If You Don't Have Diabetes:
Get screened if you have any risk factors
Ask for fasting glucose and HbA1c tests
Screening is quick, inexpensive, and could save your life
If You Have Prediabetes:
Start lifestyle changes immediately
Retest in 3-6 months to track progress
Consider diabetes prevention programs
If You Have Diabetes:
Review your latest HbA1c—is it at target (<7% for most)?
Ask your doctor about CGM technology
Schedule mental health check-in if feeling overwhelmed
STEP 2: Create a Supportive Environment
For Everyone:
Learn the signs of low blood sugar (confusion, sweating, shakiness)
Know how to help: offer fast-acting sugar (juice, candy, glucose tablets)
Never make assumptions about someone's health or abilities
STEP 3: Take One Personal Health Action
Choose ONE this week:
For Prevention:
Replace one sugary drink daily with water
Walk 15 minutes after lunch
Pack a healthy snack for work
Schedule a diabetes screening
For Management:
Book an appointment with a diabetes educator
Download a diabetes tracking app
Join an online diabetes community
Practice 10 minutes of stress relief daily
Small actions create big changes over time.
The Bottom Line: Well-being Is Everyone's Business
This World Diabetes Day, let's commit to creating workplaces where:
✅ People feel safe disclosing their diabetes
✅ Reasonable accommodations are standard, not special favors
✅ Mental health support is accessible and normalized
✅ Healthy food choices are available
✅ Physical activity is encouraged
✅ Stigma is replaced with understanding
✅ Prevention is prioritised alongside treatment
Diabetes affects 1 in 11 adults globally. That means someone on your team, in your department, or in your family is managing this condition right now—possibly in silence.
Know more. Do more. Starting today.
Because well-being isn't just about medical care—it's about creating environments where everyone can thrive.
Act This World Diabetes Day
Need Support? Contact PRIME Health for comprehensive diabetes care, workplace wellness programs, or prevention services.
Book Your Appointment