Diabetes day by day

A key to good diabetes management is awareness of yourself and your surroundings. By paying attention to how your body can react in different situations and careful planning, you can continue to be active in all types of environments and situations.

Many people can manage their diabetes without being affected at work. However, a full work day may mean that you struggle with eating healthy, taking medication or keeping your blood sugar stable. Here are some things you can do to help to feel your best in the workplace.

• Start the day right: Never miss breakfast. This can lead to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), especially if you are on insulin or a medication to increase your insulin levels. Hypoglycaemia can affect your health, performance and safety at work.
  
• Plan your meals: Take your own healthy packed lunch and snacks to work – you'll know exactly what you're eating and be able to plan accordingly. If you use a canteen or shop, get to know the healthy choices
• Testing and injecting: Make sure you have access to a hygienic place where you can test and inject in comfort
• Pens and medication: Always keep a spare pen at work. If you need to store your medication in a refrigerator, label it clearly so it is not used or discarded by accident. Use medication before the expiry date and read the label for 'in-use' storage guidance
• Know your rights: The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has developed a Charter of Rights for people with diabetes  that covers fair treatment, career progression and support in the workplace. Many countries have adopted similar charters
• Consider informing your employer or  colleagues: It's up to you whether you tell your colleagues. If you do, you may consider providing a simple explanation about diabetes and guidance on what to do if you experience hypoglycaemia so they feel confident about helping you if needed

Having an insulin injection routine can mean making accommodations to make sure you are able to check your blood sugar and take your medication when needed. Read on to find out what you can or should do when injecting insulin in different situations.

You may not feel like checking your blood sugar levels or injecting your diabetes medication when you are sick. It is really important that you continue to do this to keep your diabetes under control.

Please speak with your healthcare professional about how to best manage your diabetes and medication plan when you are unwell.

Generally, it is a good idea to take your insulin pen, a mobile phone and a sugary snack with you when exercising so that you are prepared in case of emergencies. Make sure you are wearing a medical alert that tells others you are on insulin.

Before starting any exercise programme, however, speak to your diabetes health care professional and ask for their advice. They will probably give you a general check-up and tell you how to adjust your food and medication, including insulin, to balance your blood sugar control accordingly. 

To find out more about managing diabetes with exercise, read our section on getting active. 

This is general disease awareness and should not be understood as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, you should contact your healthcare professional.