Diabetes at Work? How to Stay Productive & Energized
Shift work, heavy workloads, unsupportive managers, and a lack of understanding about your rights can all make it difficult to manage diabetes on the job. Even unpaid responsibilities, such as volunteering or caregiving, can disrupt your diabetes care routine when your schedule becomes too busy.
What’s the benefit? With the right strategies and support from your employer, you can effectively manage your diabetes and thrive in the workplace. Below, we’ll explore common challenges people face in managing diabetes at work, as well as practical tips to help you stay on track.
Why Managing Diabetes at Work Can Be Difficult
Diabetes comes with a range of symptoms that can interfere with your daily responsibilities on the job. These may include:
- Needing to urinate frequently
- Intense thirst
- Persistent hunger
- Ongoing fatigue
- Blurry vision
These symptoms can make it harder to concentrate, maintain energy, or stick to a routine, especially in a fast-paced or demanding work environment.
If these symptoms are not managed properly, not only can your daily tasks become burdensome, but you may also be at increased risk for serious health complications like heart disease and stroke.
That’s why it’s important to pay attention to your diabetes care at work and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. But honestly, when your day is busy and your to-do list is never-ending, finding time to even check your blood sugar, eat, or hydrate can seem impossible.
And in some workplaces, managing diabetes becomes even more challenging.
Shift Work and Diabetes
Working night shifts or changing schedules can make controlling diabetes especially challenging.
Irregular hours often disrupt your eating and sleeping routines, throwing off your body’s natural circadian rhythm. This can make it much harder to maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Sticking to your diabetes care plan can also be more difficult. Late at night or in the early morning, your only options for eating may be what’s in the vending machine — or a coworker’s snack stash (we won’t judge). These options often lack the nutrients your body needs, causing blood sugar spikes or dips.
Physically Demanding Jobs and Diabetes
If your job involves intense physical activity, like construction, landscaping, or warehouse labor, it’s important to be extra careful about your blood sugar levels.
Strengthening activity can lower blood sugar, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. Monitoring your levels regularly and planning your meals and snacks according to your workload can help keep things balanced and prevent a dangerous drop.
Young Employees and Diabetes
Young employees with diabetes often face a unique set of challenges. Balancing school, extracurricular activities, social lives, and part-time jobs is already challenging, and adding in blood sugar monitoring, medications, and dietary needs can complicate things even more.
In addition, being new to the workforce can make it difficult to speak up about your needs. Many young employees may not yet feel confident enough to advocate for their health or be aware of their rights in the workplace.
Know Your Rights: Diabetes in the Workplace
If you’re hesitant to ask for what you need to manage your diabetes in the workplace — especially if you’re just starting — it’s important to know: You have legal rights.
As a person with diabetes, you’re protected under federal law and are entitled to reasonable accommodations to support your health, just like any other employee.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA is a federal law that protects people with disabilities, including diabetes, from discrimination in the workplace. It ensures that employees with diabetes are treated fairly and have the same opportunities as others
Under the ADA, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations, which may include:
- Flexible work hours
- Extra breaks to check blood sugar or take medication
- Access to nutritious food and drink
- Permission to store and use diabetes supplies on-site
Employers must provide these accommodations unless they can prove that doing so would cause significant difficulty or expense for the business.
What to do if you face diabetes-related discrimination at work
If you face discrimination at work because of your diabetes, start by carefully documenting each incident. Record the date, time, location, what happened, what was said, and witnesses present. This information may be important if you decide to take further action.
Initially, try to resolve the problem informally by talking to your supervisor or contacting your company’s human resources department.
If the situation is not resolved through internal channels, you have the right to file a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and investigates claims of workplace discrimination. You can file a complaint — also called a charge of discrimination — online, by mail, or in person at a local EEOC office.
Once your complaint is submitted, the EEOC will review your case to determine if there is enough evidence to investigate or take further action.
Tips for Managing Diabetes at Work
Stick to a Consistent Eating Schedule
Aim to eat your meals at the same times each day to help regulate your blood sugar levels—even if you work night or rotating shifts. If your schedule varies, try to maintain as much consistency as possible, and consult your diabetes care team for personalized guidance on meal timing.
Keep Healthy Snacks Accessible
Balanced meals are crucial for maintaining stable glucose levels. But when hunger strikes at the office, it’s easy to reach for pizza or sugary treats. Prepare by packing a nutritious lunch with complex carbs, lean protein, and healthy fats. Also, stock your workspace with wholesome snacks like nuts, fruit, or yogurt to help you make better food choices when you’re hungry.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water supports kidney function and helps flush out excess sugar. Water is also a smart alternative to sugary drinks that can spike your blood glucose. Bring a reusable water bottle to work so you can stay hydrated without having to step away from your desk.
Take Medications as Prescribed
Keeping up with your diabetes medication is essential for blood sugar control. Store your medications in a convenient spot—like your desk drawer or work bag—so they’re always within reach. If you take insulin, ensure it’s stored properly: in a refrigerator if available, or in an insulated bag to keep it cool and effective.
Managing Diabetes at Work Doesn’t Have to Feel Overwhelming
With a little planning and clear communication about your needs, you can stay healthy, focused, and productive on the job.
A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) can make it even easier by reducing the need for frequent manual testing, letting you concentrate on your work instead of constantly checking your blood sugar.
Curious how a CGM could support your diabetes management at work? Check out our CGM guide to explore your options and find the one that fits your lifestyle.
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