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Employee Wellbeing Best Practices

World Diabetes Day: Addressing the Needs of Your At-Risk Workforce

COVID-19 has heightened awareness of the severity of chronic disease and the health implications of poor lifestyle habits. On November 14th, we recognise the impact that diabetes is having globally on World Diabetes Day. Awareness campaigns like these help to educate people about the risks, signs, associated costs, health consequences and prevention measures associated with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and are proving valuable in combating this growing worldwide epidemic.

These campaigns are important annual reminders that while we are making progress on the health and wellbeing front, there is still much to be done when it comes to addressing and reversing chronic health conditions. Managing your health is a daily activity, not an annual one, especially when it comes to chronic conditions. So, while organisations can spread the word once a year about diabetes, they also have an opportunity educate and empower at-risk individuals year-round to take steps to improve their health outcomes.

Did you know that employers were among the most trusted sources of health information during COVID-19? It’s likely that employees are looking to their employers for other reliable health information as well, meaning that organisations have a responsibility to arm their workforces with trustworthy information, education and support related to health and wellbeing.

Individuals and organisations are paying more attention to lifestyle-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity to reduce their risk of coronavirus complications, yet knowing where to start and finding the motivation to make change can be challenging. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our own expert resources to help your organisation learn the facts about this costly and harmful chronic condition, how to keep your diabetic employees safe and healthy and proactive steps you can take to reduce the prevalence of diabetes in your workforce.

  • Diabetes: The World View – It’s estimated that 90-95% of those diagnosed with this chronic disease are living with type 2 diabetes, preventable or even reversible through a healthy lifestyle. Get the statistics on this global epidemic, the warning signs and the habits your employees can start today to reduce their risk.
  • The Impact of Nutrition on Mental and Physical Health – Lifestyle and nutrition expert Dr. David L. Katz teamed up with Virgin Pulse to discuss how what we eat impacts both our physical and mental wellbeing. Watch the webinar replay to learn how to support your at-risk employees using digital health tools to improve diet and lifestyle habits to reduce risk of ill health within your workforce.
  • Diabetes in the Workplace Webinar – In this webinar replay, our experts explore the impact of diabetes on the success of your organisation and the health of your people. Discover the signs of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and how to help your employees effectively manage, delay or prevent the onset of this chronic condition to reduce costs while improving productivity.
  • Understanding the Global Obesity Health Crisis – Like diabetes, obesity is becoming a major global health concern, with more than 13% of adults worldwide having a body mass index that classifies them as obese and at an increased risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Download this quick read to learn how obesity is impacting your organisation and what steps you can take to support your employees on their health journey.
  • Finding Comfort in a Healthy New Routine – Waking up early for a morning workout, preparing nutritious lunches for the week, scheduling time to meditate daily – these habits are easier to stick to when they’re a part of your daily schedule. Check out these tips for every part of your day to help your workforce establish a routine that supports a healthy lifestyle.

Diabetes is a serious chronic condition that can often be prevented, managed or even reversed with the right lifestyle habits. While creating a physical environment to support your at-risk and diabetic employees is harder to do when the majority of your people are working from home, digital health platforms can empower your workforce to create their own healthy environment at home.

There’s never been a more crucial time to empower your people to improve their health outcomes. Request a demo today and enter 2021 with a healthier, safer and more resilient workforce.