Diabetes support for employees

Under the Equality Act 2010, diabetes may be classified as a disability, meaning employers are required to make reasonable adjustments, such as:

• Flexible working hours for medical appointments
• Designated spaces for insulin administration and blood sugar monitoring
• Regular breaks for meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels

Diabetes UK offers a detailed employer guide on workplace adjustments.

• Organise walking meetings, lunchtime walks, or provide gym access
• Encourage better food choices by having nutritious snacks available and promote balanced meal choices
• Stress can exacerbate diabetes symptoms. Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) can help employees manage stress and emotional wellbeing.
• Healthy Weight Healthy You provides advice and tailored resources on maintaining a healthy weight

• Encourage occupational health services to conduct screenings for at-risk employees
• Suggest employees use the Diabetes UK online tool to help assess their risk of Type 2 diabetes

• Host educational sessions on diabetes management
• Train managers to recognise diabetes-related challenges and respond supportively
• Encourage a stigma-free culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their needs

Three free apps are now available through NHS Wales to help prevent and manage Type 2 diabetes.

Anyone in Wales can download these apps at no cost by completing a simple online form:

MyDESMOND Wales – for people with a Type 2 diagnosis

Let’s Prevent Wales – for people who are pre-diabetic or have gestational diabetes.

You’ll need your NHS number, which can be found on the NHS Wales app, any recent prescription, appointment letter, or by asking your GP practice.