World Diabetes Day 2025: Supporting people with diabetes at work
Every year on 14 November, World Diabetes Day (WDD) raises awareness of the condition affecting over 500 million people worldwide.
This year’s theme, ‘Diabetes and the workplace’, highlights the importance of creating supportive workplaces for people living with diabetes.
At the Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC), the home of diabetes experts, we’re marking the day by sharing a video of colleagues talking about their experiences of managing diabetes at work, and what helps them thrive.
Why the workplace matters
Around 70% of people with diabetes are of working age. Many face challenges such as inflexible schedules, limited break opportunities, or lack of understanding from colleagues. Workplaces that promote wellbeing and flexibility can make a big difference.
Our World Diabetes Day video features a colleague living with diabetes and his manager, who share how open communication and workplace flexibility have helped create a supportive environment where he can manage his condition effectively.
Workplace wellbeing programmes at LDC
We have created evidence-based workplace health programmes that support staff wellbeing and reduce diabetes risk.
Our programmes include:
SMART Work & Life – helps employees sit less and move more
STEPS4HEALTH – a behaviour-change programme encouraging daily brisk walking and thinking about 24-hour movement behaviours
SHIFT – designed for shift and transport workers, who are at higher risk of diabetes, to improve health and wellbeing
Learn more: leicesterdiabetescentre.org.uk/workplace-wellbeing
Education for healthcare professionals
LDC's EDEN education team provide support for healthcare professionals and support staff with education programmes to normalise diabetes in the workplace, providing practical information and knowledge to support them to retain and provide best experience for people living with diabetes.
To find out more, contact the EDEN team: https://www.edendiabetes.com/contact-us
How employers can help
This World Diabetes Day, take simple steps to make your workplace more supportive:
Raise awareness – educate staff about diabetes and its impact.
Offer flexibility – allow time for monitoring, meals and medication.
Encourage movement – promote active breaks and healthier habits.
At LDC, we’re proud to support people living with diabetes through education and research.
Find out more about our work and how we can help your organisation: www.leicesterdiabetescentre.org.uk/workplace-wellbeing
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