World Diabetes Day highlights workplace challenges in managing blood sugar
Simple habits, smart self-management help professionals with diabetes stay healthy at work
Leading a balanced and disciplined life is at the heart of diabetes care. But in reality, work pressures, deadlines, and stress can make it tough to eat on time, take medication, or stay active. For many people, managing diabetes at work is a real challenge.
This year, World Diabetes Day, observed today, shines a spotlight on this issue. The 2025 theme is ‘Diabetes and Well-being’, with a special focus on ‘Diabetes in the Workplace.’ Experts emphasise that care should be seamless from home to office, helping people manage blood sugar, take medications on schedule, and maintain physical and mental wellness despite busy workdays. Small adjustments at work can make a big difference.
How diabetes affects work performance
Managing blood sugar at work requires awareness, as even small fluctuations can affect focus, energy, and mood.
Dr Patanjali Panduranga, Specialist Endocrinology, Aster Hospital, Qusais, says, “Diabetes can affect workplace performance in several ways if blood sugar levels are not well controlled. Both high and low blood glucose can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mood fluctuations.”
He explains, “Hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar, may cause dizziness, irritability, and reduced alertness, especially in those on insulin or certain oral medications. Hyperglycaemia, or high blood sugar, can cause tiredness, blurred vision, and frequent urination, affecting productivity and comfort.”
Managing diabetes at work is not just a personal struggle, it’s a documented workplace concern. Dr Magdy Mohamed Allam, Consultant–Endocrinology, Zulekha Hospital Dubai, says, “Diabetes affects more than 10 per cent of the global adult population, and its impact often extends beyond clinical settings into daily work performance.”
He cites studies showing that fluctuations in blood sugar can affect energy, mental focus, and mood. “A study in Diabetes Care (2021) found that adults with type 2 diabetes report up to 25 per cent more fatigue and lower cognitive efficiency during working hours.”
Mild hypoglycemia, for instance, can reduce activity in the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for attention and decision-making, he says.
“The Journal of Occupational Health Psychology (2020) also demonstrated that poor glycemic control correlates with higher rates of absenteeism and presenteeism — being at work but operating below capacity,” Dr Allam notes.
Sleep disturbances, often associated with diabetes and obesity, further reduce alertness and efficiency.
“Hypoglycemia, in particular, can lead to temporary cognitive decline and delayed reaction times, influencing concentration and decision-making at work,” Dr Allam adds.
Workday habits
Dr Patanjali Panduranga, Specialist Endocrinology, Aster Hospital, Qusais, explains how to stay on track even on the busiest days:
1. Meal timing: Try to eat at regular intervals; carry healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, or yoghurt to prevent prolonged gaps between meals. 2. Medication adherence: Use reminders for insulin or tablets. If shift timings vary, consult your doctor to adjust medication schedules. 3. Monitor glucose regularly: Especially during long shifts or physically demanding work. 4. Stay hydrated and avoid excessive caffeine or sugary beverages. 5. Physical activity: Simple stretches or short walks during breaks can improve insulin sensitivity and energy levels.
The invisible mental load
Dr Mervat Hussin, Consultant Endocrinology, Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, highlights another challenge: the constant cognitive load of self-management.
“Perhaps the most significant, yet often invisible, impact is the constant cognitive load of managing the condition itself. Beyond the physical symptoms, there is a tremendous mental tax,” she says.
“An employee with diabetes is constantly planning, calculating, and monitoring their blood sugar levels. They are thinking, ‘What did I eat for breakfast?’ How stressful is this meeting? Do I need to step out to check my glucose? Is a low coming on? It’s like having a second, full-time job running in the background that no one else can see.”
High blood sugar can cause brain fog, causing difficulty concentrating, slow processing speed, and impaired short-term memory. During a low, the effects are even more acute, making it harder to stay productive and focused. “The brain is the body’s most glucose-dependent organ, consuming about 20 per cent of our energy. It’s no surprise that fluctuating glucose levels have a direct impact on cognitive function,” says Dr Hussin.
Practical strategies for the workplace
Managing diabetes effectively at work requires a combination of planning, awareness, and small lifestyle adjustments. Dr Allam highlights several key approaches. Optimising medication using newer therapies such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors can improve glycemic stability and reduce hypoglycemia, supporting consistent energy levels. Regular meals and hydration prevent glucose fluctuations that cause fatigue or irritability. Flexible workplace policies allowing breaks for glucose checks or snacks can significantly improve morale and performance.
“Stress management techniques, including mindfulness or short activity breaks, help control cortisol spikes that can worsen glucose levels,” he says.
Planning ahead is particularly important. Dr Hussin advises employees to start the day with a solid breakfast and prepare snacks in advance.
“A balanced morning meal with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates sets a stable baseline for the entire day, which is especially crucial if the rest of the day becomes chaotic. If you have a long or irregular shift, planning is your superpower. Prepare balanced meals and snacks in advance. This prevents you from reaching for high-sugar convenience foods when you’re hungry and in a hurry. Always keep a hypo-kit and a stable-snack at your desk or in your work bag. Your hypo-kit should contain fast-acting glucose, such as glucose tabs and juice box, for lows. Your stable snack, like a handful of nuts, a cheese stick, or an apple, is for preventing lows or managing hunger without spiking your sugar.”
Hydration is equally important, as dehydration can concentrate blood sugar and push levels higher.
Leverage technology
Technology can make workplace diabetes management easier.
“A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a game-changer for the workplace. It provides real-time data on your phone or receiver, showing your glucose trend. You can identify if you’re dipping low during a long meeting or rising high due to stress, allowing you to take action before it becomes a problem that impacts your focus,” says Dr Hussin.
Tracking meals, stress, activity, and blood sugar over time helps employees notice patterns and make proactive adjustments. Combining monitoring with short physical activities throughout the day helps keep energy levels stable and glucose under control.
“Sitting for long periods can affect insulin sensitivity. If you can’t get a full workout in, try taking the stairs, going for a lap around the office every hour, or scheduling a walking meeting. These small bursts of activity help your muscles use glucose more effectively,” Dr Hussin adds.
Eat right at work: Managing diabetes at work starts with what’s on your plate
What you eat during a busy workday can make a big difference in how well you manage diabetes and how energetic or focused you feel. Amid work pressures, it’s easy to grab quick, sugary snacks or skip meals altogether, but those choices can throw blood sugar levels off balance. The goal, says Andreas L. Borgmann, Co-founder and CEO of Kcal, is to make smarter, more mindful food decisions that keep energy steady throughout the day.
“For busy professionals, the first step is understanding what actually drives diabetes, and that starts with sugar,” he explains. “Sugar hides in most foods, so being aware of what you eat and the type of carbs you choose is essential. Carbohydrates are, in essence, sugars, but not all carbs are the same. Focus on complex carbs like whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, which digest slowly and help maintain steady energy levels. It’s really that simple: awareness and better choices make all the difference.”
When workdays get unpredictable, Borgmann suggests keeping a few smart snacks handy.
“Managing your blood sugar starts with managing your sugar intake. Choose slow-releasing carbs like whole grains, nuts, and high-fibre snacks to keep your energy stable. These foods help prevent sudden glucose drops that can lead to fatigue or a mid-day crash. The key is to stay consistent: small, smart choices throughout the day make a big difference.”
At Kcal, this balanced approach is at the heart of every meal plan. “The Kcal way of eating is simple: stay away from sugary foods and fast-acting carbs. Focus on fibre and whole grains, and aim to keep your glucose levels steady without spikes. A good rule of thumb is to build your plate with 50% greens, 25% protein, 12.5% carbs, and 12.5% healthy fats. This balanced approach supports stable energy, better focus, and overall well-being. It’s that simple: when you eat right, you feel great.”
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