Update, June 2020: Government guidance states that people with diabetes are in the “clinically vulnerable” group, and as such, are not advised to “shield” – unless they have additional underlying health conditions or are more at risk due to age. Anyone with concerns should contact their healthcare team for guidance and to discuss individual circumstances and needs.
With some organisations starting to bring people back in to the workplace, it is essential that employers ensure that a risk assessment is carried out for all staff, particularly for those with specific health conditions that need to be managed carefully.
Visit https://www.diabetes.org.uk/coronavirus for useful updates and resources.
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high. It is estimated that over 4.5 million people currently have diabetes in the UK.
There are many different types of diabetes, but the main two are referred to as Type 1 and Type 2. They are different conditions, caused by different things, but both can lead to the same serious consequences if a person is not diagnosed or does not manage their diagnosis properly. There is no known cure for either type but the right support and treatment can enable sufferers to lead long, healthy lives.
About 10% of people with diabetes have Type 1. We don’t know how it is caused but having the condition means that your pancreas cannot produce insulin (a hormone that regulates glucose levels). If the glucose levels are too high, organs in the body can be damaged. People with Type 1 diabetes must regulate their condition through insulin injections or by administering insulin via a pump. They may also need to check their glucose levels regularly throughout the day. It is usually diagnosed earlier in life.
Type 2 is far more common, typically in those over 40. Risk factors include age, ethnicity and being overweight. It starts gradually and often takes a long time to diagnose but can be managed by healthy eating, physical activity and sometimes medication.
Most people who have been diagnosed with diabetes can live a normal, healthy life with no detrimental effects to their workplace performance. Some people who have been recently diagnosed may need some time to come to terms with their treatment plan or settle into a new routine but with the right support, this shouldn’t create a long-term problem.
With the UK’s ageing population and rising levels of obesity, diabetes diagnoses are on the increase. It is a uniquely personal condition, and everyone manages it in different ways. It is important that people feel supported to make these changes to their daily lives, reducing the emotional and physical impact and managing their condition effectively. There’s never been a better time to get ‘diabetes aware’ and take steps towards creating a healthier and happier workforce.
Follow these handy tips to support your team:
1. Private space: People with diabetes may need a private space to inject insulin or store their medication. Consider creating a designated space or spaces.
2. First Aid Training: First aiders (and employees) should be trained to recognise hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and know how to treat it. Often incidents can be avoided through eating a sugary snack or drink.
3. Be prepared: Consider having a ‘hypo box’ in the workplace with hypo treatments available for everyone to use. Make sure your employees have constant access.
4. To disclose or not to disclose: There is no obligation to disclose a diagnosis to a manager or colleague, but it helps if people are aware of an individual’s condition, so they can effectively support them, both practically and emotionally. Encourage people to be open and let them know that there are measures in place to help them should they wish to access them.
5. Time management: People with diabetes may have to manage their workload and meetings around regular mealtimes and breaks. Be understanding and flexible wherever possible and cascade this through lines of management.
6. Increased health appointments: People with diabetes must have regular checks and are advised to have annual flu vaccines. They may need more time off for appointments than usual. Try and be flexible to accommodate these needs. Missing appointments and check ups can have serious consequences to their general health.
7. Education: Those who have been diagnosed are advised to attend an education course. These courses can help people manage their condition sensibly and can have a positive effect on long term health. Employers should encourage attendance wherever possible. If it is not practical, there are online options which may be an alternative.
8. Increased recovery time: Be aware that people living with diabetes may take longer to recover from other illnesses. Factor this in to any ‘back to work’ procedures or programmes. An Occupational Health Advisor can offer advice on any support or adjustments needed during the initial stages of a return to work.
9. Pregnancy: Diabetes can present additional risks during pregnancy. Be aware that someone who has diabetes and is pregnant may need additional scans and health checks. This should all be covered in a standard pregnancy risk assessment but make sure that all managers and relevant co-workers are made aware of the situation if deemed appropriate.
10. Healthy eating: The risk of developing Type 2 diabetes can be reduced by a healthy diet. Promote good nutrition in the workplace by providing free fruit for break times, healthy options in staff canteens and recipes and tips on the intranet or in staff publications etc.
11. Increased activity: Managing Type 2 diabetes (and reducing the risk in the first place) can also be helped through increased physical activity. There are lots of ways to encourage physical activity in the workplace. Read our recent blog for helpful tips and new ideas.
12. Burnout: Be aware of ‘diabetes distress’ or ‘diabetes burnout’. Managing a long-term condition can prove difficult for an individual and they may require emotional support as well as a physical treatment. You may want to set up peer support groups or provide signposting resources to helplines or online resources. You may even want to give your employees access to a counsellor or other regular talking therapies.
13. Additional health promotions: Run additional health promotions in the workplace such as smoking cessation and stress management initiatives. Healthier lifestyles and the increased opportunity to make healthier choices can all be contributing factors in managing the condition effectively.
14. Screening: Offer regular health screening that can detect early diagnosis or identify people at risk. Diabetes cannot be cured but effects can be delayed, and it can be successfully managed. Occupational Health Teams can advise you on the most appropriate screening for your workforce.
So there you have it. Diabetes is a serious problem – but with the right information and the right support, we can help to create a healthier and happier workforce.
Contact us today for details of services that can help equip your staff with the facts.