Managing diabetes at work

Despite it being a common health condition affecting 1 in 15 Australians¹, deciding whether to talk about diabetes at work can feel personal and sometimes challenging.

Some people are happy to be open about living with diabetes, while others prefer to tell only the people closest to them. If you do choose to share this information at work, telling someone you trust may help them support you if you ever need it.

In most workplaces you don’t need to reveal that you live with diabetes or another chronic health condition.

But there are some exceptions. For example, if your condition could affect your safety or the safety of others, you may need to disclose your diabetes and may not be eligible for certain roles. This may apply to jobs that involve specific activities, such as driving, or roles in the Australian Defence Force.^2,3

If you live with diabetes and are applying for a role with specific health or safety requirements, it may still be worth applying and having the conversation. Some roles may not be affected, and reasonable adjustments may be possible depending on the job.

You shouldn’t be discriminated against for living with diabetes when you’re looking for work. If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly, you can seek advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman.⁴

If your condition has no bearing on how you do your role and the safety of yourself and others, you don’t have to tell anyone at work that you live with diabetes if you don’t want to.

But if you feel comfortable, it may be beneficial to tell some colleagues, especially if you use insulin, so they can better understand your condition.

Letting a trusted person at work know that you live with diabetes can help them support you if you start to feel unwell. For example, if you use insulin, it may be helpful for them to know how to recognise the signs that your blood glucose levels are too low or too high, and what you would like them to do. Having that plan in place can help people respond early and make safe, appropriate choices.

When you live with diabetes, even everyday illnesses like a cold, flu or gastro can affect your blood glucose levels. Having a sick day plan can make it easier to know what to do if you feel unwell at work. If you choose to share it, the plan can also help a trusted colleague or manager understand how to support you.⁵

Your workplace sick day plan doesn’t need to include private medical details. It might simply outline who to contact, what signs to look out for, where you keep any supplies you may need, when you might need a break or to go home, and when someone should call emergency support. Your diabetes healthcare team can help you create a personalised sick day action plan that suits your type of diabetes, treatment and workplace needs.⁵

Creating a culture of trust around health issues at work shouldn’t only be the responsibility of the person living with the condition. Managers, team leaders and HR teams all have an important role to play.

If you are managing a team of people, let it be known that it’s an inclusive environment and your door is open if colleagues need a safe space to talk.

Offer regular First Aid and CPR training and include information about common conditions that might affect colleagues, such as diabetes.

Be aware that stigma can still be attached to some health conditions, and that people may feel unsure about conditions they don’t understand. Encourage helpful, informed conversations about health at work, and ask teams what would help them feel supported. This might include replacing a boardroom meeting with a walking meeting or making sure there are healthy snacks and drinks in the break room.

If a colleague tells you they’re living with diabetes, ask how you can support them at work and keep the conversation private unless they say otherwise. They may not want other team members to know, or they may occasionally need time away from work if their condition is harder to manage. If they use insulin, ask what signs might show they’re feeling unwell and what they would like you to do in that situation.