- Diabetes is widespread: 589 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes. This number is rising and includes people across all demographics this fact reminds everyone that diabetes is common and not a personal failing.
- Hidden impact at work: Nearly half of adults with diabetes are undiagnosed – someone might have diabetes and not even realise it. This highlights the importance of awareness and screening. Offering regular wellness checks or screenings at work can help people discover risks early.
- Mental well-being matters: 3 in 4 people with diabetes experience mental health issues related to their condition (such as stress, anxiety, or depression). Managing diabetes day-to-day can be stressful. It’s important for colleagues and managers to recognise this unseen burden. Empathy and supportive dialogue can ease some of the stress.
- “Diabetes burnout” is real: 4 in 5 people with diabetes have experienced diabetes burnout – feeling overwhelmed by daily care. This can mean exhaustion from diet monitoring, medication schedules, and lifestyle restrictions. A supportive workplace acknowledges this fatigue and may offer flexibility, like a day off for medical appointments or access to an employee assistance programme (EAP) for counselling.
