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 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
-
Inform recruiters and employers: There are usually no legal
requirements to tell recruiters about your diabetes. However, a new
employer is allowed to ask appropriate health-related questions to
ensure you are able to do the job
-
Tell your 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. However, it is really
important that you continue to do this to keep your diabetes under control.
Your blood sugar levels can rise when you’re ill, so keep checking
and adjust your insulin dose if necessary. If you are nauseous or
vomiting, you may not be taking in enough carbohydrates (sugar). When
you do not eat and take your insulin, you are at risk of getting low
blood sugar. Try sipping sugary drinks or eating a little ‘easy’ food,
such as soup or ice cream, or suck on sugar tablets.
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.
Also, make sure you are not exposing the insulin in your pen to
extreme temperatures (>25°C, <4°C), such as by leaving it in the
sun or next to a frosty playing field.
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.
It is perfectly alright to continue to inject into your tummy as long
as you can still pinch the skin or you are using a very short needle.
If you are concerned, use other fatty areas such as your thighs, upper
arms (only if advised) or buttocks.
