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Living with diabetes means never truly switching off. The condition demands constant attention and countless daily decisions, from monitoring glucose levels and managing medication to planning meals and balancing the demands of social and professional life. According to the latest estimates from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 589 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, of whom seven in ten (approximately 412 million) are of working age
To better understand what it means to live with diabetes in today’s workplaces, IDF conducted a global survey earlier this year. The findings reveal a troubling reality: four in ten employees living with diabetes report being treated negatively at work, and one in three have even considered leaving their job as a result.
As President of the International Diabetes Federation, I find these findings deeply concerning. They highlight a persistent gap between what we know should be happening at work – fair treatment, respect and support – and the alarming reality many employees with diabetes continue to face. For millions of people living with diabetes worldwide, workplaces remain environments of stigma, misunderstanding and avoidable hardship.
For millions of people living with diabetes worldwide, workplaces remain environments of stigma, misunderstanding and avoidable hardship
The stigma experienced by employees living with diabetes is not abstract; it manifests in exclusion, missed opportunities and, too often, unseen hardship. Nearly half of those with type 1 diabetes and more than a third of those with type 2 told us they have experienced negative treatment in the workplace. More than a quarter of respondents said they have been denied breaks or time off for the vital self-management of their condition. This is an unacceptable barrier that endangers not only their physical health but also their mental well-being and career prospects.
Even more concerning is the culture of silence such experiences create. One in ten employees we surveyed has not disclosed their diabetes to their employer, often out of fear of discrimination. Almost half worry that being open about their condition could harm their chances of promotion or career progression. No one should have to conceal their diabetes to avoid unfair treatment. The fact that so many still feel compelled to do so is a stark indictment of workplace culture.
Effective diabetes management involves regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, balanced nutrition and the timely administration of medication such as insulin. These are basic steps in diabetes self-care, yet one in four employees told us they feel uncomfortable administering insulin at work, and one in five said the same about checking their glucose levels. These anxieties reveal how far we still have to go in creating workplaces where health needs are understood and respected. No employee should have to choose between managing their condition and maintaining their privacy or dignity at work.
We must also not overlook the strong economic and organisational case for action. Unresolved stigma and inadequate support lead to lower morale, reduced productivity and missed opportunities for professional growth. Nearly one in four employees living with diabetes told us they had been excluded from career development or training opportunities because of their condition. Such experiences can contribute to higher staff turnover, as employees with health conditions may feel unwelcome or undervalued.
Workplaces that fail to accommodate employees with diabetes risk not only harming individuals but also losing valuable talent, skills and experience. Building inclusive environments benefits everyone: employees feel respected and supported, and organisations gain a healthier, more engaged and more productive workforce.
Addressing this issue does not require vast resources or complex interventions. A diabetes-friendly workplace begins with listening, understanding and responding with empathy. Small but significant adjustments, such as flexible schedules, private spaces for glucose monitoring or insulin administration, and clear workplace policies, can dramatically reduce anxiety and help employees feel safe, supported and valued.
Equally important is raising awareness among all staff. When managers and colleagues understand what diabetes is, how it is managed and how it can be prevented, misconceptions fade, stigma diminishes, and empathy grows. That cultural shift can transform workplaces, making them healthier, fairer and more inclusive for everyone.
A diabetes-friendly workplace begins with listening, understanding and responding with empathy
As part of this year’s World Diabetes Day campaign, IDF is encouraging everyone to know more and do more for diabetes at work. This is a timely moment for employers to reflect on their workplace culture and policies. The International Diabetes Federation urges all organisations to:
These steps will not only improve the lives of employees living with diabetes but also create more resilient, productive and inclusive workplaces.
Workplaces should be places of opportunity, not exclusion. As we mark World Diabetes Day, I call on employers everywhere to remove the barriers that people with diabetes still face at work. With modest changes and a genuine commitment to empathy, we can build inclusive workplaces where everyone, regardless of their health needs, can thrive.
If you would like to learn more, please visit https://worlddiabetesday.org/
D-Talk: Diabetes in the workplace
In this dedicated World Diabetes Day podcast, host Phyllisa Deroze welcomes three advocates from the IDF Blue Circle Voices network to explore how people with diabetes navigate challenges at work, such as disclosing a diagnosis and balancing self-care with professional responsibilities. The discussion also highlights the need for more inclusive, understanding and supportive work environments.
