Diabetes is a disease that currently affects more than 180 million people in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this number is likely to more than double by 2030 (Note 1). Increasing absenteeism and safety of workers are among the greatest concerns about diabetes and related chronic conditions in the workplace. ILO Online spoke with Meredith Bullamore from the Geneva Social Observatory.
ILO Online: What is diabetes?
Meredith Bullamore: Diabetes is a disease that attacks the pancreas and inhibits the way that the body effectively processes food as a source of energy. A healthy pancreas will produce the hormone, insulin, which helps regulate the level of glucose in the blood. In persons with diabetes, insulin is either not produced or not used efficiently and medication is often required to help regulate blood glucose levels.
ILO Online: Why is diabetes a serious concern?
Meredith Bullamore: Diabetes, particularly Type 2 (Note 2), can be tied to many chronic conditions including heart disease, stroke and obesity. The presence of multiple conditions makes diabetes very difficult to control and can be very expensive to manage. Complications from high bloodsugar levels and poorly managed diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure and the loss of a limb from diabetic neuropathy. It is very important to balance proper medication treatments with physical activity and a healthy diet to promote overall well-being and prolonged good health. For many in developing nations, insulin is not available or too expensive to purchase on a regular basis, so the quality of life for a person with diabetes is seriously lowered and the condition can negatively impact daily life activities.
ILO Online: How can diabetes affect the workplace?
Meredith Bullamore: There are many concerns about diabetes and related chronic conditions in the workplace. One of the greatest is the increase of absenteeism due to diabetes and its complications. In many countries, the number of patients with diabetes is increasing and with it lost working hours. Another important point is safety of workers. Balancing blood sugar levels is extremely difficult and can fluctuate daily, leading to dangerous swings in bloodsugar levels for a person with diabetes. This is of particular importance for those persons working in jobs that require physical labor and exertion. Additionally, poorly managed or untreated diabetes can lead to complications and chronic conditions that negatively impact productivity in the workforce. Addressing diabetes and related complications can be a source of tension in the workplace, as accommodations are sometimes necessary to provide assistance to a person with diabetes. But, through small and smart adaptations, workplaces can promote healthy lifestyles at work and beyond.
ILO Online: What are some of the issues that have recently arisen, relating to diabetes/chronic disease in the workplace?
Meredith Bullamore: One of the most prominently featured issues is developing a policy plan-of-action for outlining a fair way to address diabetes and related chronic disease in the workplace. It can get complicated when developing an employee workday schedule that allows for regular blood glucose testing, regulated intervals for snacks and meals, and adequate time for physical fitness. Furthermore, a person who has developed advanced complications may not be able to maintain the same level of job responsibilities and may need to have a revised position.
Recently, cases of workplace discrimination have garnered public attention and raised questions about providing proper accommodations for employees with chronic diseases and complications. In countries where employers shoulder the health insurance costs, the latter can be very expensive, particularly since regular doctors visits and medications are needed to maintain proper management. With rising costs, it becomes difficult to promote both the ‘health’ of the business with profitable levels of productivity. But dismissing trained and competent employees with diabetes is an equally important loss to businesses. Experience around the world shows that, when imagination and commitment are in place, suitable arrangements for both workers and management can be worked out.
ILO Online: What types of suggestions have been made to improve the ‘health’ of the workplace?
Meredith Bullamore: One of the best methods of prevention is to develop a holistic health program that nurtures a balanced diet, and regular exercise. This can help employees prevent health complications and better manage existing conditions. It is important that employers optimize the physical activity levels required during work hours, offer nutritious meal and snack options, opportunities for physical activity and most importantly, education on preventing diabetes and chronic diseases that have life-threatening complications.
Living with a chronic disease is a challenge and at times, it can be difficult to juggle disease treatment with everyday activities. This is particularly difficult for elderly workforce members, who may be faced with increasing complications from living with chronic disease. It is important for employers and trade unions to promote adaptations to daily habits, so that employees can make sustainable changes that foster higher levels of overall health. Workplaces are greatly varied around the world, so one of the best tips for maintaining a healthy work environment and lifestyle is to make small and smart choices.
ILO Online: What additional advice can you offer for fostering a healthy lifestyle both at work and at home?
Meredith Bullamore: Learning how to make healthy food choices or developing a physical fitness program is important for both health and personal safety. Healthy lifestyle habits will help prevent the onset of diabetes and related chronic disease complications. Prevention is a crucial component in fostering a healthy lifestyle. This can be done by focusing on your own level of health and working with a medical professional to develop ways to monitor health indicators such as blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol levels. Personal health indicators are based on you and that in order to sustain a healthy lifestyle, focus on making small changes that can make a big difference.
ILO Online: Can these suggestions apply to my family and friends as well?
Meredith Bullamore: Eating healthy, participating in physical fitness activities and monitoring health indicators are good suggestions that are encouraged for everyone, although levels of physical fitness and health indicators may vary greatly. It is always a good idea to check with a medical professional before beginning a strenuous exercise routine or changing eating habits. Having said that, grab a colleague and spend 20 minutes of your lunch break walking around the building or spend that afternoon off playing in a park with your family. Doing little things to improve your health can have a positive impact on your work and your family, and can help to prevent or better manage a chronic condition.
Meredith Bullamore is currently working with the Geneva Social Observatory to develop a roundtable series that addresses diabetes/chronic disease in the workplace. mbullamore@gsogeneva.ch
Note 1 - Statistics were found at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs312/en/index.html
Note 2 - Medical professionals recognize three types of diabetes: Juvenile onset or Type 1, Adult onset or Type 2, and Gestational diabetes. The largest percentage of people are affected by Type 2 diabetes. With proper treatment, all types of diabetes can be managed, complications can be controlled and quality of life can be sustained. However, prevention is still the best defense. For more specific information on diabetes please visit: www.idf.org.