SUPPORTING EMPLOYEES WITH DIABETES IN THE WORKPLACE

Chances are, you know somebody with diabetes. According to Diabetes UK, it’s estimated that more than 5.8 million people in the UK are living with either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. Suffice to say, it’s prevalent across the country; therefore, businesses of all sizes need to offer support for employees managing these conditions. In this blog post, we’ll further explore diabetes, how it affects people and solutions to foster a supportive environment for employees.  

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are difficult to manage as the body isn’t able to make insulin or is not making enough. This results in symptoms such as thirst, frequent urination and fatigue. The most common types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

TYPE 1 DIABETES

Type 1 Diabetes often begins during childhood but can develop at any age. This form of diabetes is not preventable. This condition results in a lack of insulin, making it essential to regularly monitor blood glucose levels. Signs of low blood sugar include fatigue, hunger, anxiety and headaches.

TYPE 2 DIABETES

This type of diabetes occurs when insulin does not work properly or your body is not making enough of it. Without strict regulation, this can cause incorrect levels of glucose in your body. This is dangerous as it can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney disease and nerve problems. Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, it can be prevented through weight loss and by improving nutritional habits.

HOW CAN DIABETES AFFECT EMPLOYEES AT WORK?

Employees managing both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes might be affected by the symptoms of the condition such as occasional headaches, tiredness, fatigue and frequent urination. This can make it difficult to perform their usual work tasks effectively. This can also lead to safety risks if machinery or tools are being operated regularly.

There is also the mental health aspect, where employees can deal with feelings of frustration, inadequacy and stress as an indirect result of this condition. If employees don’t feel supported in their work environment, it can cause them to feel that they’re undervalued and underappreciated by management.  

WHAT EMPLOYERS CAN DO TO SUPPORT EMPLOYEES WITH DIABETES

Many people manage to live a normal life while managing the symptoms of diabetes. Employees who have diabetes should not be discriminated against due to their illness as long as their condition is responsibly managed. It can be as simple as monitoring their blood sugar levels or the occasional injection of insulin. There’s no reason that an employee managing diabetes can’t perform the same duties as anybody else. However, we do recommend employers provide support to help those with diabetes feel comfortable and productive.

Simple and helpful tips for employers to help employees with diabetes include:

• Provide discreet and safe places to administer insulin injections and check blood sugar
• Speak to employees about their condition; this isn’t something to be shy about as it demonstrates support
• Options to work from home can also be beneficial for certain job roles
• Have healthy, fresh fruit available to help with low blood sugar
• Instilling exercise and nutrition programmes can help reduce the severity of Type 2 symptoms
• Inform employees about the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for additional support
• Research educational opportunities for employees who wish to understand the best practices to monitor their condition

HOW EMPLOYMENT LAW SUPPORTS EMPLOYEES WITH DIABETES

The Equality Act 2010 protects employees with diabetes against discrimination in the workplace. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 recognises diabetes as a disability, meaning employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for individuals. Reasonable adjustments can include things such as ensuring the employee can have breaks at certain times, an area to monitor glucose levels, or adjusting working hours. Employment law services can help employers by providing expert guidance on legal obligations to ensure compliance.

If you would like more information on the best way to manage diabetes in the workplace, contact our team on 0330 175 6601 or by sending us an email at info@cloverhr.co.uk.   

Further information on diabetes can be found on https://www.diabetes.org.uk/