November is Diabetes Awareness Month—a time to foster understanding and support for the millions of people worldwide living with diabetes. 

Diabetes is both preventable and manageable, yet misconceptions and stigma often stand in the way of effective treatment. In the workplace, employers can play a key role by implementing educational initiatives that raise awareness about diabetes, its causes, and its health impacts. Better understanding reduces stigma, empowers those living with the condition, and helps those at risk take preventive action. 

Understanding Diabetes 

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to issues with insulin. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot produce insulin, while Type 2 results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications affecting the cardiovascular, nervous, and sensory systems—including heart disease, kidney damage, blindness, and even death. 

Management is particularly challenging because many people remain undiagnosed, and monitoring blood sugar can be time-consuming and costly. In the U.S., roughly 37 million people—about 11% of the population—have diabetes, many of whom are unaware of it. Globally, someone dies from diabetes-related causes every five seconds. 

The Impact of Stigma 

Stigma around diabetes complicates disease management. Misconceptions—such as the belief that diabetes is always the result of poor lifestyle choices—can discourage individuals from seeking help. Fear of judgment may prevent people from disclosing their condition at work, making effective self-management more difficult. 

Stigma also affects those who don’t fit the stereotypical image of a person with diabetes. Misjudged risk can lead to delayed diagnosis and more severe health complications. 

Diabetes in the Workplace 

Diabetes has significant implications for workplace productivity and costs. In the U.S., diabetes-related healthcare spending exceeds $20 billion annually, and global costs are projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030. Employees with Type 2 diabetes may experience an 11–19 percent loss in productivity and take more sick days than colleagues. A lack of workplace support can further lower morale for those managing the disease. 

Employer’s Role in Diabetes Management 

Employers can take an active role in diabetes prevention and management. Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include not just personal lifestyle but also environmental and occupational factors—such as high job demands, stress, and limited access to healthy foods. By fostering a supportive environment, employers can improve both employee health and organizational outcomes. 

Practical strategies include: 

• Health Screenings: Offering on-site biometric screenings—which cover not just blood sugar, but blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, and waist circumference—can be a huge help in enabling and encouraging employees to proactively monitor and manage their health.  
• Education and Awareness Campaigns: Educating employees about diabetes can dispel myths and reduce stigma. Campaigns can inform employees about diabetes risk factors, symptoms, and management options, while services like WPO’s Wellness Coaching provide ongoing guidance. 
• Training for Blood Sugar Management: Training all employees on diabetes management, including recognizing symptoms of high and low blood sugar, can help create a safer and more supportive environment. This training is especially crucial because low blood sugar incidents can lead to confusion and disorientation, requiring immediate intervention. 
• Providing Accommodations: Workplaces can support diabetic employees by offering accommodations such as private spaces for blood sugar testing and insulin administration, access to healthy snacks, flexible scheduling, and rest areas. These accommodations enable employees to manage their health while staying productive. 
• Expanding Benefits: Enhancing benefits to include diabetes management programs delivers strong ROI—reducing medical costs, boosting productivity, and lowering absenteeism. A 12-week study of nearly 600 employees showed that those receiving diabetes management support were more productive and had higher retention than those who did not. 
• Promoting a Healthy Workplace: Creating a healthy environment benefits all employees. Access to nutritious foods and opportunities for physical activity not only supports diabetes management but also helps prevent the disease and promote overall wellbeing for all employees. 
• Addressing Discrimination: Clear policies that protect against health-based discrimination help foster a culture of respect and inclusion. Using person-first language (e.g., “people with diabetes” instead of “diabetics”) further reinforces empathy and awareness. With nearly 80 percent of people with diabetes reporting stigma, strong anti-discrimination measures can empower individuals to disclose their condition without fear of mistreatment. 

A Healthier Future for All 

Ultimately, a supportive, diabetes-friendly workplace benefits both employees and employers—boosting morale, reducing absenteeism, and improving health outcomes. By providing education, accommodations, and tailored health benefits, organizations can create inclusive environments that empower employees to manage their health effectively. 

As the global diabetes epidemic continues, employers have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Through education, supportive policies, and inclusive benefits, workplaces can help mitigate the challenges of diabetes while fostering the well-being of all employees.