Menu

Diabetes in the Workplace

People with diabetes live with the condition all day, every day, including at work. They may face unique challenges in the workplace, but they can overcome these challenges with the help of an informed employer.

Addressing Diabetes is Good Business

Diabetes is costly. Helping your employees prevent type 2 diabetes and manage their diabetes can help them be healthier and more productive. It can also lower healthcare costs for them and for your business. Smart employers know there's a strong business case for helping employees with diabetes stay healthier.

You can maximize the health and productivity of your workers with diabetes by being more aware of common concerns in the workplace. Those concerns can include accommodations for people with diabetes and shift work.

Small adjustments to the work environment or schedule can:

  • Reduce absenteeism and presenteeism (when an employee goes to work despite a medical illness that prevents full functioning).
  • Increase productivity, concentration, and energy levels.
  • Reduce the chance of on-the-job injury.
  • Help you stay in compliance with the law.  

How to Support Employees with Diabetes

  • Raise awareness and education: Employers should increase awareness about diabetes among employees through workshops, webinars, and educational materials. This helps employees understand the condition better and learn effective management strategies.
  • Allow flexible work arrangements: Implementing flexible work policies can significantly benefit employees with diabetes. This includes options for flexible working hours, remote work, and breaks for blood sugar management.  
  • Provide access to essential supplies: Employers should ensure that employees have easy access to necessary diabetes supplies, such as insulin, glucose monitors, and test strips. Providing these resources demonstrates a commitment to supporting employees' health and well-being.
  • Implement health and wellness programs: Implementing comprehensive health and wellness programs can greatly benefit employees with diabetes. These programs can include regular health screenings, nutrition and exercise counseling, and stress management techniques.†

More information: CDC - Employers and Insurers

Diabetes Management Services

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) services are delivered by trained diabetes care and education specialists to help people with diabetes set and track goals, learn to manage their condition, and build confidence in daily self-care. They are often covered by insurance.*

To participate in DSMES services, a person must have a documented diagnosis of type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes and meet certain criteria. A written referral from a treating healthcare provider also is required.*

Interested in Diabetes Prevention for Your Employees?

Employers can offer a CDC-recognized diabetes prevention program as a health benefit for employees. Talk to your health insurance carrier or explore Healm at Work. Healm is a free, employer-focused platform that helps organizations design, implement, and measure type 2 diabetes prevention programs. A trained guide can help you implement the program.

Other ways to implement diabetes prevention services in the workplace:

  • Offer a diabetes prevention program at your worksite as a wellness benefit.
  • Promote diabetes prevention programs being offered in your area.

Resources

Sources