Supporting Someone with Diabetes at Work
If a colleague or employee has diabetes, it’s up to them whether they disclose their condition. However, being open about diabetes can help you provide the support they may need. Asking them directly about how diabetes affects their daily life is the best way to learn how to support them.
For more information, you can review our guide on Diabetes: The Basics and consider sharing this resource on your company intranet or internal communications channels.
You can also download our Guide for Employers and Colleagues on Supporting Someone with Diabetes at Work.
Is Diabetes a Disability?
Although people with diabetes may not think of it as a disability, the law often recognizes it as such. Diabetes is a long-term condition that, if left untreated, can seriously affect someone’s ability to carry out daily activities.
In Kenya, people living with diabetes are protected under the Persons with Disabilities Act. This act requires employers to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that employees with diabetes can perform their jobs safely and effectively.
For more guidance, employers can refer to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights or the Persons with Disabilities Act.
How Do People Manage Diabetes?
Most people with diabetes manage their condition in a way that doesn’t affect their work. This often involves taking medication at specific times and regularly checking blood glucose levels. For some, it also means injecting insulin or using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM).
Some employees may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about injecting insulin or checking their blood sugar in public. As a manager or colleague, you can reassure them that it’s a normal part of managing their condition. If needed, help them find a private space to do this comfortably.
People with diabetes may also experience hypoglycemia (hypos), where their blood sugar levels drop too low. Ask them what symptoms to look out for and how you can assist if they experience a hypo at work.
Reasonable Adjustments
Employers in Kenya are legally required to make reasonable adjustments for employees with diabetes. These adjustments could include allowing regular meal breaks to manage blood sugar levels or providing specialized equipment for those with diabetes-related eye problems.
If you manage someone with diabetes, regularly check in with them during one-to-one meetings or appraisals to see if any adjustments are needed.
Time Off Work for Illness and Check-Ups
People with diabetes need regular healthcare appointments to manage their condition and reduce the risk of complications. Employers should allow time off for these appointments and any necessary time off to recover from illnesses such as flu or stomach bugs.
If you manage someone with diabetes, it’s essential to support their emotional wellbeing as stress can impact both their recovery and their diabetes management.
Driving and Diabetes
People with diabetes are generally allowed to drive in Kenya, but there may be additional rules depending on the type of medication they take. For more information, drivers can consult the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) guidelines on driving with diabetes.
Supporting Pregnant Women with Diabetes
Pregnant women with diabetes, including those with gestational diabetes, need extra care and support. Employers should provide flexibility for additional healthcare appointments and treatment reviews during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after birth, but women are at increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future.
Emotional Wellbeing and Diabetes
Living with diabetes can be challenging, and stressful situations at work can make it even harder to manage. High stress levels can lead to poor blood sugar control and, in some cases, depression.
If an employee is struggling with stress or mental health challenges related to their diabetes, discuss potential reasonable adjustments to help them manage their workload. Consider directing them to your company’s employee assistance program or a counselor, and encourage them to seek help from their healthcare provider if needed.
Can I Help Prevent My Colleagues From Getting Diabetes?
While Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, promoting healthy habits like a balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. As an employer or colleague, you can encourage a healthier workplace by providing fruit and healthy snacks, starting a lunchtime exercise class or walking group, and raising awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Can Organisations Refuse to Employ Someone with Diabetes?
In most cases, diabetes should not prevent someone from doing their job, and employers in Kenya cannot legally refuse to employ someone based solely on their diabetes. However, certain roles that involve safety-critical work may require an individual risk assessment to ensure that the employee can safely perform the job.
The only exception to this rule is the Kenya Defence Forces, which may have specific medical requirements for employment.
For more information on work and diabetes, you can refer to our comprehensive Work and Diabetes guide.