India’s Escalating Diabetes Crisis: Strategies for Workplace Management

India's Escalating Diabetes

India’s Escalating Diabetes Crisis: Strategies for Workplace Management

Managing the Rising Prevalence of Diabetes in India’s Workplaces

As India’s workforce continues to evolve, the health and wellbeing of employees often take a backseat to the pursuit of professional success. This shift in priorities has led to a worrying increase in chronic diseases such as diabetes, with India now accounting for 17% of the global diabetes burden. Recent statistics reveal a staggering 100 million diagnosed cases in India, with a further 136 million individuals categorised as pre-diabetic. This has led to India being dubbed “The Diabetes Capital of the World”.

This article aims to provide insights into managing diabetes in the workplace and how organisations can support employees living with this condition.

Diabetes, a metabolic disorder characterised by consistently high blood sugar levels, is on the rise in workplaces due to an increase in sedentary jobs and lifestyles, high-stress environments, and unhealthy eating habits. Addressing diabetes in the workplace is crucial for both employees and employers, with a focus on awareness, regular screenings, access to treatments, and most importantly, preventive measures.

Effective Strategies to Regulate Blood Sugar Levels at Work

Workplace diabetes awareness programs are vital in educating employees about the condition. Given the gravity of the problem, itโ€™s essential that not only those diagnosed with diabetes but also their colleagues and managers remain informed. Organising workshops, expert talks, webinars, and health camps can enhance understanding about genetic predisposition, risk factors, symptoms, signs, and the importance of regular check-ups.

Leadership involvement is paramount in this process. Leaders sharing personal experiences of managing diabetes can inspire employees and normalise the discussion of chronic diseases like diabetes.

Regular health screenings are key in early detection. Early diagnosis enables prompt intervention, potentially preventing the onset of diabetes or its complications. Employers can facilitate annual health check-ups at workplace clinics or diagnostic centres, or even provide access to at-home phlebotomy for employees.

Promoting physical activity is one of the best ways to manage the condition. Encouraging walking meetings, climbing stairs, providing gym facilities at offices, or gym memberships can motivate employees to be more active. Employers can also work with nutritionists and dieticians to offer healthy food options in the workplace, promoting balanced diets and reducing the consumption of foods that can exacerbate diabetes.

Stress is a significant contributor to the worsening of diabetes, as stressed employees often resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating, alcohol, and substance abuse. Incorporating stress management programs, counselling services, yoga and mindfulness sessions into the workplace can help employees manage stress effectively using healthier coping mechanisms.

Each employee who modifies their lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, healthy weight management, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption contributes to reducing the risk of diabetes at the workplace. The use of an electric height adjustable standing desk can also aid in promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour at work.

Employers who seek expert advice on designing and delivering Diabetes Management Plans significantly increase organisational resilience. Diabetes is a collective burden that must be shared by employees and employers alike to ensure increased productivity, reduced healthcare costs, and a more vibrant and thriving workplace environment. By learning how to choose the best standing desk or the best sit stand desk, employers can create an environment that promotes healthier habits and reduces the risk of diabetes.

In conclusion, managing the rising prevalence of diabetes in India’s workplaces requires a combined effort from both employees and employers. With awareness, regular screenings, healthier lifestyle choices, and the use of tools like an electric stand up desk, it’s possible to create a healthier, more productive workforce.

author avatar
Guy Director
Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. Ergomotion Director since 2005.

Google Reviews

Ergomotion

Google Reviews

Shelley Jensen 07/09/24

Google
Guy (the owner) delivered the desk and set it up quickly. He then gave me a lesson on how to use it and how to get the most out of it. Arrived on time and was absolutely lovely to deal with throughout the whole process. Highly recommend.

clifford sneider 06/09/24

Google
Guy was fantastic and the desk is amazing

Jo Manning 08/08/24

Google
I bought an adjustable desk from Guy a couple of years ago, got great service and good price. Recently we had a tiny issue which could not be fixed over the phone. Guy was more than happy to come out and look at it 2 days later. All fixed! I really appreciated his patience with me and accommodating us so quickly. Great old fashioned service and piece of mind. I love it. I know where to get my second desk when needed. Thank you Guy. Jo Manning

Deborah Hunt 25/07/24

Google
ergomotion were fantastic to deal with. excellent customer service and a great product.

Andrew Pieterse 14/06/24

Google
Great service and really quick shipping. It is great to know that you are getting quality parts from a Scandinavian manufacturer with your standing desk purchase rather than the cheap knock off stuff you get from other major brands. Reasonably priced for the quality too!

Janette Clarke 20/05/24

Google
Guy was very accommodating with meeting him at a time that suited me. He assembled the desk prior to me collecting so I only had to carry it inside with help (it's pretty heavy). The desk is great, the storage racks underneath with the 6 x built in powerpoints was worth the extra money. I have a functioning & tidy workplace.
Guy was brilliant, I highly recommend.
Janette

Nickel 10/05/24

Google
Have now purchased 2 stand up office desks off Guy, benchmark sales service from him, all via email, so easy; from quote to plug in, only matched by the strong quality of these machines, solid and stable. If only everything in life was this easy and reliable.

Jennifer Fadriquela 23/03/24

Google
I purchased an EDesk this month from Ergomotion, and it was a remarkably smooth transaction. Guy was eager to answer all my questions before my purchase. As a first-time buyer of a standing desk, I truly appreciated how he addressed my queries with thorough details and provided options within my budget.

The delivery process was also smooth, despite a slight delay in the ETA. Guy ensured I received all necessary updates from the courier/removalist.

I've been using the desk for a couple of weeks now and I'm satisfied with it. It's sturdy on all height adjustments and the motor works as expected. I also like oak finish because it's clean-looking and suits my room setup.

Overall, I'm happy with my purchase and I'll definitely recommend Ergomotion to someone looking for their desk needs.

Josh Oliver 04/02/24

Google
I've had an ergomotion desk for 10 years. It's still as good today as it was brand new. Over the years Guy has always responded promptly to any guidance I've needed (mostly help putting the desk back together after removalists take it apart).

Michael Cheung 18/01/24

Google
Great service from Guy and the team at Ergomotion! Helped with all my queries and was able to source a standing desk part for me when many others weren't able! Highly recommend!
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