Workplaces urged to take a stronger role in diabetes prevention

Diabetes Philippines and AstraZeneca launched an information campaign on diabetes prevention, encouraging workplaces to support healthy lifestyle practices for employees.

Filipino workers often spend long hours on night shifts or at their desks, and health experts warn that these common workplace conditions may accelerate the development of diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Diabetes Philippines, a doctors-led advocacy and research organization, and pharmaceutical leader AstraZeneca launched the S.T.O.P. (Screen early, Treat aggressively, Optimize management, Promoting preventive and healthy lifestyle) Diabetes, Act Now campaign on November 14 at the 42nd Diabetes Philippines Annual Convention in Mandaluyong City.

Coinciding with World Diabetes Day, the launch highlighted the importance of early screening to prevent diabetes and its related complications.

This year’s theme focuses on diabetes and the workplace, with medical professionals encouraging companies to promote healthy lifestyles within and beyond the 9-to-5 grind.

Stress and night work increase risk of diabetes

Dr. Nines Bautista, vice president of Diabetes Philippines, said night shift employees are at higher risk of developing diabetes.

“Night shift workers tend to sleep in the morning. And because of hormonal changes associated with irregular sleep, these people can develop obesity and unhealthy eating,” Bautista said.

Poorly regulated blood sugar can lead to kidney failure, heart disease, and nerve damage. While diabetes has no cure, it can be managed through medication and lifestyle adjustments.

Sedentary work setups and high-stress environments can also increase the risk of diabetes. Because of the lack of physical activity and increased exposure to stress, blood sugar can shoot up and eventually pose health issues.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that develops when the pancreas cannot produce or process enough insulin to regulate blood sugar. Insufficient insulin production can either arise at birth (Type 1) or develop over time from unhealthy eating and other lifestyle factors (Type 2).

Globally, Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% of all cases, often linked to lifestyle factors such as diet, physical inactivity, and obesity.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, diabetes has always been one of the top five causes of death in the country. In 2024, it was the fifth most common cause of death. The International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) also estimates that 7 in 10 diabetes patients are of working age; in the Philippines, this translates into 4 million adults living with the condition, which makes disease prevention initiatives with workplaces all the more crucial.

Diabetes mitigation in the workplace

Because certain working conditions may aggravate the risk of diabetes, securing support from workplaces in preventing diabetes among the adult population is important. “Companies can actually take small steps to support diabetes prevention,” Bautista said.

For instance, workplaces can allocate breaks for workers to move around instead of sitting for hours at a time. Experts recommend 150 minutes of physical activity per week to support a healthy lifestyle.

Companies can also encourage better eating habits through the food served at canteens or workplace events. To fight against chronic disease, the government’s Pinggang Pinoy food guide advises balanced meals that mostly consist of vegetables and carbohydrates, with smaller portions of fruit and meat or protein.

Annual physical exams offered by most companies can also be expanded to include urinalysis and more comprehensive blood testing in order to provide early detection for workers who may be at risk. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) has also launched this year the Philhealth Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), which can cover outpatient testing, maintenance medicines up to P20,000, and chronic disease management.

Removing discrimination, negative treatment

Workplaces can also ease the burden for employees already diagnosed with diabetes.

A recent global study by the IDF found that 40% of workers living with diabetes experienced negative treatment in the workplace because of their condition, while 32% of employees considered leaving their job because of health-related discrimination.

For instance, workers with diabetes may have been denied much-needed breaks to attend to their condition or administer medication. The study found that some employees claimed that because they disclosed their condition, they were stigmatized or refused opportunities.

With most Filipinos spending the bulk of their day on the job, workplaces are in a natural position to help slow the rise of diabetes. Practical support—from flexible breaks to better screening—can make day-to-day life easier for employees managing the disease. While small changes in office routines may not immediately alleviate the country’s diabetes burden, they can mitigate risks and foster work environments where maintaining health is not a daunting task.