November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of symptoms, promote healthy living, ensure that people are aware of the risk factors of diabetes, and to provide support for those dealing with diabetes daily.
For the millions effected, it is a time to get educated, find resources, and help ensure family and friends are aware of their risk as well.
The focus of this year’s observation is “Diabetes in the Workplace.” This campaign encourages both employers and employees to “Know more, do more for diabetes at work.” Specifically, it aims to raise awareness about the challenges individuals with diabetes face at work and to promote supportive policies and healthy work environments.
Globally, seven in 10 adults living with diabetes are of working age. (That’s 412 million people.) For millions of employees, diabetes is a daily reality, but in the workplace it can often become a source of stress, stigma and fear. Despite growing awareness of employee well-being, many people with diabetes still struggle to balance their health with work expectations, leading them to hide or not be open about their condition.
This ongoing struggle not only impacts mental well-being but also limits career growth.
When it comes to creating a network at your workplace, some find it valuable to tell their boss or coworkers about their diabetes. If you feel ready to share this, it may allow them to ask questions so they can have a better understanding of diabetes in general and how to better support you. This approach may not be for everyone, and some may not be ready to share their diabetes with the workplace, deciding instead to keep it private. Remember, it is your decision to disclose this or not as you are not legally obligated to do so. If you are unsure what to do, ask yourself, “Will sharing this information help me as a person with diabetes and as an employee?”
If you decide to share your diabetes journey in the workplace, reasonable work accommodations could be requested to enable you as a person with diabetes to preform essential functions of your job while also staying safe. Reasonable, simple accommodations to ask for:
- A private area to check blood sugar levels or administer insulin injections.
- A private place to rest if blood sugar levels become out of range.
- Breaks to eat/drink, take medication or to check blood sugar levels.
- Permission to keep food/drinks and diabetes supplies near your workstation.
- Time off of work for medical appointments.
Employers have the power to foster a supportive culture for their employees with diabetes. As an employer, how can you offer support to an employee with diabetes? A few tips:
- Offer occasional and informal check-ins to casually make sure your colleague has everything they need.
- If you’re curious about diabetes, ask questions and be open to learning, but leave your judgement aside.
- Avoid questioning someone’s food choices. Know that a lot of planning has gone into their diabetes management for the day, including what they’ll eat.
- Offer support by asking how you can help. Volunteer to be a go-to person in case of emergency and find out the steps your colleague would like you to take.
- Be thoughtful when someone is out of their daily routine because of a work event by making sure their needs are being met. Not only stress but also excitement can severely affect blood glucose levels. Make sure they have the time and space allotted in advance of the event to take care of their diabetes.
- Spontaneous team lunch? Avoid surprising your team with “forced food.” If you have to, make sure to give them as much information as you can about what kind of food there will be so they can plan their diabetes management.
- Accept that diabetes can take a physical and mental toll on people and that it’s not always a reflection of who they are.
Self-care for diabetes at work involves managing your routine, incorporating activity and preparing for potential issues. Your work life on its own can become very demanding, but it is important to build time in your day to properly manage your diabetes. Some pointers:
- Start the day right: Begin with a healthy breakfast and stay hydrated to set a good foundation for the day.
- Plan your schedule: Work with your employer to schedule appointments during slower times, like before or after work, to minimize disruption.
- Keep supplies on hand: Always have glucose treatments, snacks and your medications with you, and keep them easily accessible at your desk.
- Take medication as prescribed: Use alarms or pill organizers to remember your medication schedule.
- Incorporate movement: Stand up and stretch, walk around the office or take a brisk walk during lunch to help manage blood sugar levels, especially if you have a sedentary job.
- Use breaks for care: Schedule short breaks to check blood sugar, eat snacks or take medication if needed.
- Monitor blood sugar regularly: Check your blood sugar as recommended by your doctor to understand your levels and how to respond
- Know your triggers: Be aware of how your body reacts to stress, food and other factors, as this can affect your blood glucose. Incorporate ways to manage your stress levels.
- Have an emergency plan: Be prepared to treat low blood sugar quickly by having glucose tablets or other quick-acting sugars readily available.
- Review your benefits and coverage: Review your insurance’s healthcare benefits for diabetes supplies with your pharmacy, utilize health saving accounts to offset costs, and use your resources available to discuss upcoming diabetes treatment options that could further assist you.
Julie Fortenberry is a registered dietician and nutritionist with St. Tammany Health System’s Integrated Diabetes Services. For additional support or to find out more about scheduling an appointment with the health system’s diabetes team, call (985)871-5983.