Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of sugar, or glucose, in the blood to become too high. About 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. There are a range of symptoms, including more frequent urination, excessive fatigue and wounds taking longer to heal.
Recent statistics indicate that 3.5 million people in the UK have diabetes, while an estimated half a million additional people have the condition but are unaware that they have it. The number of people with diabetes in the UK is expected to rise to more than 5 million by 2025.
Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, drinking and smoking can play a significant role in developing Type 2 diabetes and, given that we spend so much of our lives at work, it is important to follow healthy workplace behaviours in order to reduce the risks.
Stephen Thomas, Health and Safety Business Partner at IOSH, provides some simple, low-cost tips for promoting healthy behaviours as part of a workplace health and wellbeing strategy:
Healthy eating – Meals that are high in fat and lacking in fibre can increase the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes so developing healthy eating habits, both in and out of work, can have a big impact. Sometimes it’s just a matter of education and there are plenty of free information resources available online such as the NHS Change4Life family healthy eating campaign.
Exercise – Physical activity can help to reduce weight and blood glucose levels and can also improve other health aspects such as our cholesterol, blood pressure and quality of sleep. Some workplaces have introduced initiatives to tackle sedentary work and promote physical fitness among workers such as free exercise classes and even providing health and fitness trackers for staff. However, simple changes such as walking meetings and encouraging workers to walk to colleagues’ desks for a conversation rather than sending emails can be beneficial.
“Participating in physical exercise provides a number of benefits in the workplace,” says Chris Burrow, OSH Content Developer at IOSH. “It can help to improve our productivity, boosts creativity and focus and encourages social interaction with colleagues. It’s also a great way of motivating workers, and the improvements exercise can make to our wellbeing and mental health can reduce stress and absenteeism and improve job satisfaction.
“Through fitness sessions I run at IOSH, I see a noticeable difference in people’s morale and physical health. Exercise leads to body fat reduction, strength gains, and improved stamina and endurance. Other physiological gains include healthier cardiovascular systems, efficient blood circulation, stronger immune systems, better quality sleep, plus other health benefits and in some cases, injury recovery. There are so many benefits to physical activity (that are also enhanced by good nutritional consumption). It really does make a huge difference.”
Smoking – Smoking is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes as well as other conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Make it easier for workers to quit smoking by promoting local stop smoking support services and allowing them to attend smoking cessation sessions during work time without loss of pay.
Get checked – Anyone who has the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes should visit their GP. The NHS offer a free Health Check for 40-74 year olds and routine wellness checks may also be provided as part of a workplace health strategy. There are also some useful resources available online
