The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) World Diabetes Day is on 14 November. The IDF website describes millions of people with diabetes as having to face challenges with living well and managing their diabetes in their workplaces. Common issues include the physical/technical/convenience challenges but also go deeper to include stigma, discrimination and exclusion. Wellbeing is negatively impacted, but so is the workplace itself. World Diabetes Day on the 14th of November has put out the call to employers and employees around the world to ‘Know more and do more for diabetes at work’ and start the change for a better #DiabetesLife.
Sometimes at a localised level it's hard to know where to start with so much information out there so Diabetes Foundation Aotearoa, MHT Diabetes Trust, Diabetes Christchurch and Diabetes Wellington have come together with a survey to understand more about what can be done to support workplaces (link here) as well as some handy resources from a variety of recognised sources that they have found useful for workplaces. Check out some of these links for helpful information*:
Types of Diabetes (more detail and different language videos) https://www.diabetes.org.nz/whatisdiabetes
General Diabetes and other health resources (Healthify) https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/d/diabetes-overview
Wellbeing in the workplace, physical activity and nutrition general health in the workplace - https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/health-services-and-programmes/workplace-wellbeing/nutrition-and-physical-activity
Driving with diabetes https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/factsheets/16/docs/16-diabetes.pdf
Rights/Stigma (2019, Diabetes NZ) https://www.diabetes.org.nz/blog/2019/know-your-employment-rights
Positive communication at work (Mental Health Foundation) https://mentalhealth.org.nz/workplaces/working-well-guide-and-resources/positive-communication-at-work-2
Resources for World Diabetes Day https://worlddiabetesday.org/
Diabetes NZ Diabetes Action Month in November https://www.diabetesactionmonth.org.nz/
* This information was sourced as being the latest found as at the publication of this blog entry. It does not mean to be a comprehensive resource but can be considered more as some helpful tips to start a journey. This information does not replace expert advice.
