Work smarter. Live healthier. Fight diabetes together.

Every morning, workplaces around the world come alive with the familiar rhythm of ringing phones, tapping keyboards, humming machines, and hurried footsteps. Work is where we spend a huge part of our lives—sometimes more waking hours than we spend at home. Yet, in the rush of deadlines, meetings, and to-do lists, our health often takes a quiet back seat.

Testing Blood Sugar

Every year on November 14, the world comes together to observe World Diabetes Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about one of the fastest-growing health challenges of our time. This year’s World Diabetes Day slogan, “Know more and do more for diabetes at work,” is a gentle wake-up call reminding us that the journey to better health doesn’t begin in a doctor’s office. It often begins the moment we walk into work.

Understanding Diabetes: A Growing Concern

Knowledge is like switching on a light in a dimly lit room—it helps us see what was already there but unnoticed. Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health challenges in the world, yet many people still don’t fully understand it. What does high blood sugar really mean? How can we prevent it? How can we support colleagues who live with it every single day?

By knowing more, we build a workplace culture that is informed, empathetic, and attentive. When people understand the symptoms, the risk factors, and the importance of early detection, they are more likely to look out for themselves and for each other. Awareness doesn’t just educate; it empowers.

Taking Action: From Awareness to Implementation

But awareness alone is not enough. The second part of the slogan—“do more”—reminds us that real change happens through action. Imagine a workplace where:

• The cafeteria offers fresh fruit instead of only biscuits and sugary snacks.

• Short movement breaks are encouraged.

• People feel comfortable checking their blood sugar without judgment.

• Employers support flexible schedules for medical appointments.

  
  

These changes may seem small, but together they build a healthier, more supportive environment. When a workplace invests in wellness, productivity rises, morale improves, and people feel valued—not just as employees, but as human beings.

The Intersection of Work and Well-Being

Diabetes doesn’t clock in and out. It doesn’t wait for weekends or holidays. That’s why the workplace is such an important setting for prevention, management, and understanding. A supportive work environment can be a lifeline for someone living with diabetes—and a shield for someone at risk.

This slogan is more than a theme; it is an invitation. An invitation to learn, to act, and to care. To recognize that every choice—every snack, every break, every conversation—can inspire healthier habits.

A Collective Commitment to Health

At its heart, “Know more and do more for diabetes at work” is a reminder that health is a shared responsibility. Employers, employees, and communities all play a part in shaping environments where people can thrive. When we know more, we understand. When we do more, we transform. When we combine both, we create a workplace where wellness becomes a culture—not an afterthought.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive environment for those living with diabetes is crucial. Here are some practical steps workplaces can take:

1. Education Programs: Offer workshops or seminars on diabetes management and prevention.

2. Health Screenings: Provide regular health screenings for employees to monitor their blood sugar levels.

3. Wellness Challenges: Organize wellness challenges that encourage physical activity and healthy eating.

4. Support Groups: Establish support groups for employees living with diabetes to share experiences and strategies.

   
   

The Role of Leadership in Promoting Health

Leadership plays a vital role in promoting health within the workplace. When leaders prioritize employee well-being, it sets a positive tone for the entire organization. Here are some ways leaders can contribute:

• Lead by Example: Leaders should model healthy behaviors, such as taking breaks for physical activity or choosing nutritious snacks.

• Open Communication: Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing health issues without fear of stigma.

• Resource Allocation: Allocate resources towards health initiatives, such as gym memberships or healthy food options in the cafeteria.

  
  

The Importance of Community Support

Community support is essential in the fight against diabetes. By collaborating with local health organizations, workplaces can enhance their health initiatives. This could include:

• Partnering with local gyms for employee discounts.

• Collaborating with nutritionists to provide healthy meal options.

• Engaging in community events that promote health awareness.

  
  

Conclusion: A Call to Action

So this World Diabetes Day, let’s turn our workplaces into spaces of knowledge, support, and meaningful action. Because healthier workplaces lead to healthier lives, and healthier lives build a stronger, happier world.

Dr. Stanley Johns Njattumkalayil

Research Scholar, Queen’s University, Belfast.