new research on international diabetes federation (IDF) revealed. In Argentina, 1 in 10 employees with diabetes is considering quitting their job. About the treatment you receive in the workplace for your illness. Within the framework of world diabetes daythe Federation seeks to make visible the stigma, discrimination, and lack of structural support that patients still face.
More than a quarter (27%) of workers living with diabetes in Argentina reported receiving negative treatment at work because of their condition.according to a new study conducted by the IDF. According to the report, negative treatment is when, rather than adapting the job to the worker’s conditions, “an attempt is made to adapt the worker to the job, which results in anxiety, distress and distress”. Forced to choose between keeping a job and maintaining health“Dr. Silvia Golban de Lapertosa, Argentina representative of the IDF and former president of the Argentine Diabetes Association, explained this to this media.
“When a person receives a look like ‘again?’ when requesting space to eat a snack, control blood sugar levels, or administer insulin, or is denied basic requests to properly monitor their condition. , negative treatment may be required, such as asking not to have a shift schedule or not working night shifts, ” continued the expert, a professor at the National University of the Northeast and former president of the Argentine Diabetes Association.
These requirements are not capricious. They are need to have a regular eating schedulerespect your body’s circadian rhythm. “People with diabetes can’t take insulin at 8 a.m. today and change it at 8 p.m. tomorrow night. Meals and insulin (not all types of diabetes require it, but some do) require a certain amount of time in their routine,” he specified.
The study was conducted by Arlington Research, an independent arm of the IDF, and looked at 1,400 adults living with diabetes in Argentina, China, Germany, India, Pakistan, South Africa, and the United States. some Argentina has 4.3 million adults They have this pathology. around it 1.2 million people don’t even knowthey have no diagnosis. Projections estimate that by 2050, that number will reach 5.9 million.
In this framework, it is incumbent on business leaders to consider people living with diabetes in their HR and diversity and inclusion plans, especially in this competitive talent environment.
Suffering from diabetes while working in Argentina
The IDF study found that One in 10 (12%) people with diabetes considered leaving their job because of the way people with diabetes were treated in their setting.
At a global level, results vary widely. Pakistan had the highest rate of negative treatment (68%), followed by India (55%) and the United States (42%), but levels of prejudice varied in other participating countries. “When we look at Argentina’s data compared to other countries that participated in the study, It ranks fourth after Pakistan, India, and the United States. About the poor treatment,” Golban de Lapertosa said.
The differences are not just regional. Almost a third (32%) of employees have been diagnosed with: type 1 diabetes Just over a fifth (22%) of people who: Type 2 diabetes. moreover, 15% of respondents said they were denied the breaks or permission they needed to take care of themselves.
The study also revealed the importance of daily diabetes management. cause anxiety Among most employees, more than a third (37%) reported feeling uncomfortable taking insulin at work, and 30% said the same about monitoring blood sugar levels. La Pertosa’s Dr. Govan asserts that without the right supportive environment, these routine medical needs can become daily challenges and cause unnecessary stress.
Is diabetes a condition for working?
Diabetes-related stigma goes beyond emotional and professional impacts. Limit career development opportunities. Almost a fifth (16%) said they had been excluded from a training or professional growth program because of their symptoms.
For Dr. Golban de Lapertosa, that stigma is based on the idea that people with diabetes perform worse and have more absenteeism and absenteeism.. “What there is is Diabetes is believed to be a disorder, but it’s actually notyou can live a full life, and many athletes, artists, Miss World, and national team players from various sports have diabetes and are at the peak of their activities. Even many presidents have had diabetes!” the expert claimed.
But he also cautioned that with proper management and treatment, this fulfilling life is possible. Another important point is keep the discussion open enough To help people talk about diabetes without taboos, ask, “If we’re concerned about people with celiac disease being able to share food at work or in restaurants, why should we be different for people with diabetes?”
It is worth clarifying, One in 20 employees do not disclose their diagnosis to their employer. 30% of them feared being given preferential treatment, and 20% expressed concern that disclosing their condition could limit their advancement at the company.
Why do we need to hide pathology? “This is an issue that employees typically hide because they are afraid that they will not be selected because of this condition. For example: Social and prepaid works do not allow admission for diabetics“Even though the Diabetes Act clearly states that no one should be discriminated against because of their condition,” Golban de Lapertosa said, making clear that what is needed is more than just a cultural change.
That’s why so many employees continue to live with diabetes. Depends on support from friends: 25% only disclosed their diagnosis to a trusted colleague, and 41% shared their diagnosis with several people at work.
“Obtaining a driving record is also an issue when blood sugar levels and glycosylated hemoglobin are required when renewing a driver’s license. This also places a responsibility on the part of the diabetic to manage their blood sugar appropriately to avoid hypoglycemia that can cause problems for themselves and others, to always carry sugar or candy with them, and to recognize symptoms and act immediately,” the doctor pointed out.
What can companies do?
These numbers reflect the discomfort that still exists when approaching the topic of diabetes through formal channels in the workplace and highlight the need to create a safer, more empathetic and inclusive environment.
Dr. Silvia Gorban de Lapertosa, IDF Argentina Representative
We must not lose sight of the fact that this will become an increasingly important need in the future. “Currently, one in 10 Argentines over the age of 18 has diabetes, but 20% are at high or very high risk of developing diabetes over the next 10 years. Taking these steps will have an impact on diabetes prevention throughout their communities,” said the professor at National Northeast University.
some Recommendations for companies The following people want a work environment that is more friendly to people with diabetes.
- execute awareness campaign What is diabetes and what to do if you have low blood sugar.
- Encourage employees to: empathy and respect His condition led him to share his problems in hopes of getting help.
- Company dining, breakfast and coffee break space become healthy“It will be in the interest of the entire company.”
- will generate active break For all the staff.
La Pertosa’s Dr Sylvia Govan added: “No one should hide their condition for fear of being treated differently or missing out on opportunities.” “Living with diabetes requires ongoing management, and workplaces must recognize the physical and mental effects this has. Small changes, such as flexible schedules and private space to monitor blood sugar levels and administer insulin, can make a big difference.”
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