Managing Diabetes In A Desk Job: Practical Steps For A Stronger, Healthier You

(By Dr Vikram Vora)

In the middle of a diabetes epidemic in the world today, handling this chronic disease in the context of a sitting work environment is challenging. Sedentary lifestyle and lower mobility in the workplace have the potential to worsen the health conditions of diabetes, such as metabolic syndrome, blood glucose management, and cardiovascular disease. In view of this, individuals and organizations can develop structured interventions to promote health and wellbeing that are more active and participatory in handling diabetes.

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The Role Of Business In Diabetes Prevention And Management

For companies, the return is significant. Unmanaged employee diabetes can result in higher absenteeism, lower productivity, and increased health care costs. As diabetes health care costs are projected to blow up over the next few decades, businesses can no longer wait and see. Rather, proactive management of employee diabetes produces not only healthier employees but also improved productivity and engagement. Developing a holistic health model in the workplace by incorporating regular glucose testing, easily accessible health resources, and providing for medical attention allows for an environment in which diabetic employees may thrive.

Practical Tips For Desk-Bound Workers Managing Diabetes

For the diabetic, having the disease and holding a high-stress office job can seem like more than one can handle. Yet, small changes make a huge impact on keeping blood glucose levels stable and health in general. Offered below are effective strategies that can be implemented by diabetic workers into their work habits without interfering with their work styles:

• Add Micro-Movements:
  Interrupt extended sitting with regular shorter walking or stretching every 30 to 60 minutes. Micro-movements regulate blood glucose and avert metabolic downturns that so commonly follow extended sitting.
• Eat Nutrient-Dense, Low-Glycemic Foods:
  Snacking on whole foods instead of processed snacks may level out blood sugars. Eat meals with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to have smooth energy and avoid sugar spikes resulting from carbohydrate-laden processed foods.
• Plan Regular Health Screenings:
  Routine visits with one’s healthcare provider and, if possible, a daily self-monitoring of blood glucose can give early warning signals so that diet, exercise, and medication can be altered in a timely fashion.
• Stress Management Techniques:
  Since stress can raise blood sugar, incorporation of stress-reduction strategies such as deep breathing techniques or mindfulness in daily activities can enhance control of blood glucose and mental clarity.
• Stay Hydrated:
  Drinking water throughout the day may assist in eliminating excess glucose from the blood, aid in improved metabolic function, and prevent dehydration, which can exacerbate blood sugar imbalance.

Creating A Diabetic-Friendly Workplace

Companies can be the champions of caring for diabetic employees by establishing a work environment that is supportive of diabetes. Offering diabetes-friendly equipment, including nutrition guides, ergonomic seating that promotes movement, and health initiatives, can empower employees to manage their health. Placing these initiatives at the top of their lists, companies develop healthier, more productive, and more diverse workforces.

Dr Vikram Vora is Medical Director and Chief Health Officer at International SOS

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