CONFIDENCE, Comfort, & CONTROL

Your guide to managing diabetes in the workplace

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10 QUICK WORKPLACE HACKS FOR LIFE WITH DIABETES

(For when you need the "cheat sheet" version)

START THE DAY STEADY Eat a balanced breakfast before work to keep glucose stable.

PACK A "JUST IN CASE" KIT Glucose tabs, snacks, spare supplies and water.

SCOUT YOUR SAFE SPOTS Know where you can check glucose or inject comfortably.

SET REMINDERS Use your phone or smartwatch for testing and meal cues.

KEEP A DESK SNACK STASH Nuts, low-sugar bars or fruit for quick grabs.

SPEAK TO ONE ALLY A colleague who knows how to help if you go hypo.

MOVE A LITTLE, OFTEN Walk to a colleague's desk, take the stairs, stretch.

HYDRATE A refillable bottle at your desk is your best defence against brain fog.

DON'T SKIP BREAKS Your health trumps your inbox.

For most of us, work isn't just where we earn a living - it's where we spend a huge chunk of our lives. And if you're living with diabetes, that means managing blood glucose checks, medications, meal planning, and the occasional hypo... all while trying to keep your inbox under control and your boss happy.

This year's World Diabetes Day (November 14) puts the spotlight on diabetes in the workplace. It's a chance to talk honestly about the challenges - and the small but powerful actions you can take to feel more confident, supported and healthy on the job.

1. STIGMA: FINDING YOUR COMFORT ZONE WITH DISCLOSURE

One of the biggest stressors can be deciding how open to be about your diabetes at work. You might worry about people misunderstanding your capabilities, or about becoming "the diabetic person" in the office. And that's valid - there's still a lot of misinformation out there.

YOUR ACTION PLAN