In the UK, 5 million, or one in 15, people have diabetes, according to Diabetes UK data from February 2023. The condition, which is characterised by high blood sugar levels over a long period of time, can cause complications such as sight loss, heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, kidney failure and amputations.
In order to support diabetic employees, employers should first identify which employees need support with the condition, according to Luke Bullen, vice president UK and Ireland for wellbeing provider Wellhub.
He told HR magazine: “While employees aren’t required to disclose health information, HR can foster a supportive environment that encourages open communication.
“HR teams can also consult wellness professionals to understand common needs and best practices.”
Employees who are open about their diabetes status should be consulted about what help they might need, according to Anthony Renshaw, regional medical director Europe and Africa for health and security risk management company International SOS.
Speaking to HR magazine, he said: “With consent, HR managers can actively engage in open conversations with diabetic employees to understand individual needs, challenges, and additional support required at work.”
Meanwhile, anonymous feedback can identify what support can be provided without employees needing to share their diagnosis, Renshaw added.
He continued: “Feedback sessions and anonymous surveys can highlight common concerns and health gaps amongst employees.
“'Know your numbers’ sessions, where employees can measure their glucose levels, can supplement this data. Together, these can help a company understand which geographies, business units or functions to focus on.”
Read more: Number of night workers from ethnic backgrounds surges
There are barriers to effective diabetes management in the workplace, a report by Diabetes UK, published in February 2024, explained. These include reasonable adjustments not being understood; stigma around disclosing the condition; travel and working patterns; and lack of access to doctor’s appointments during working hours.
Flexible work options are crucial for people with diabetes, to enable them to manage their insulin levels, Renshaw noted.
He continued: “A flexible approach is best when it comes to supporting diabetic employees, as not every diabetic is the same.
“Our medical advisors work with HR professionals and other stakeholders across organisations to develop more flexible policies that allow breaks for health monitoring, meals, and medication administration.
“We advise firms on arranging placements overseas, especially in remote countries with more limited resources. Specific needs, such as being able to source a particular diet or access to appropriate medical facilities to manage their insulin pump, require consideration.”
HR could also provide private spaces for employees to monitor their glucose, suggested Steven Pink, CEO of corporate healthcare provider Verve Healthcare.
One in 10 (10%) people with diabetes in the UK have type one, which is treated by daily insulin doses in injections, patches or through an insulin pump, according to the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.
The other nine in 10 (90%) have type two, which can be managed with a healthy diet and physical activity. This type is most commonly developed after the age of 40.
Read more: What can HR do to encourage employees to exercise?
Permanent or frequent night and shift work patterns were “strongly associated” with an increased risk of type two diabetes, a study in the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, published in February 2024, showed.
Diabetes is one of the fastest growing health conditions in the world, and costs the NHS £1 million an hour, or 10% of its total budget.
The number of people who left the workforce on long-term sick leave, with diabetes as their primary health condition, increased by 79% between 2019 and 2023, statistics from the Office for National Statistics, released in July 2023, showed.
Employers have a responsibility to prevent employees developing diabetes, Pink noted.
He commented: “As well as education on diabetes and helping individuals, workplaces can be proactive in reducing diabetes risk factors.
“Being overweight and not being physically active can increase the chance of developing diabetes, and so providing healthier food choices in canteens and putting on group physical activities may help.”
