New research findings reveal that 34% of people living with diabetes do not feel supported in the workplace, highlighting a persistent gap between corporate well-being policies and the lived experience of employees managing the condition.
The survey shows that many workers still feel isolated when trying to balance blood glucose monitoring, medication, diet management and the daily demands of their job. Respondents said that open conversations about health and well-being remain rare, and that employers often underestimate the physical and emotional impact of managing diabetes at work.
This year’s International Diabetes Federation (IDF) theme — diabetes, well-being and the workplace — inspired the launch of a new campaign, “The Day Diabetes Showed Up to Work”, which aims to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by employees with diabetes. The campaign encourages employers to acknowledge the adjustments, flexibility and understanding that can make working life safer and more manageable.
Organisers say their ambition extends far beyond a single awareness month. The initiative is designed to spark long-term cultural change around diabetes support in the workplace throughout 2026 and beyond, emphasising that genuine well-being requires year-round commitment rather than a once-a-year reminder.
The message is clear: millions of workers with diabetes are trying to thrive professionally while managing a lifelong condition — and employers have a crucial role in helping them feel seen, supported and understood.
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One in three employees with diabetes say they feel unsupported at work, new survey shows