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This year, the world celebrates World Diabetes Day under the theme “Diabetes and Quality of Life in the Workplace”.
This focus sheds light on an important aspect of the lives of millions around the globe, as statistics indicate that nine out of 10 people living with diabetes are of working age, making the workplace a vital environment for their support and empowerment.
Diabetes and Workplace Challenges
Many employees living with diabetes face daily challenges in their workplaces – such as lack of awareness, absence of basic medical accommodations or even stigma and discrimination.
These challenges affect not only productivity but also psychological and physical well-being.
A healthy workplace is not a luxury; it is a necessity for preventing chronic diseases and supporting those living with them.
The Vision of the International Diabetes Federation
From this standpoint, the International Diabetes Federation continues its efforts to raise awareness through the campaign “Diabetes in the Workplace.”
The initiative aims to promote understanding of the importance of supportive work environments and to encourage early screening for diabetes across public and private institutions, under the slogan: “Know Your Risk of Diabetes.”
This campaign continues the ongoing efforts of diabetes associations worldwide to combat the disease from medical, educational and social perspectives – translating their shared vision of improving quality of life for individuals and communities.
An Ideal Environment for Employees
Both the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation emphasise that the workplace can be either a protective factor or a risk factor.
Lack of physical activity, unhealthy food options and continuous stress all increase the likelihood of developing diabetes.
Employers are therefore encouraged to adopt policies that promote physical activity, provide balanced food options, and allow short breaks for movement, glucose monitoring, or meal times.
Employees living with diabetes should also be supported through safe spaces for glucose checks or insulin injections, flexible medical schedules, and awareness sessions for co-workers on how to respond appropriately to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia emergencies.
Social and Economic Responsibility
Supporting people with diabetes in the workplace is not merely a humanitarian act – it is an investment in productivity and economic growth.
A physically and mentally well employee is more capable, creative, and dedicated.
A healthy workplace, therefore, becomes a cornerstone for building a conscious, resilient, and sustainable society.
Final Message
On this World Diabetes Day, marked on November 14, we call upon all institutions to be part of the solution – by adopting health-focused and community-based initiatives that enhance awareness, prevention, early detection, and access to care.
Caring for employees is an investment in people, and people are the foundation of development.
(The author is consultant endocrinologist at Awali Hospital)
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