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Diabetes support for employees

Learn about the risks, symptoms and impact of diabetes and how you can create a supportive work environment for employees living with the condition.

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What employers can do

Make reasonable adjustments

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.

Promote healthy workplace habits
  • 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
Early screening and support
  • 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
Raise awareness and encourage open communication
  • 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

Page last reviewed: 25th March 2025

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