More than half of employees in India living with diabetes report negative treatment at work, according to new global research released by the International Diabetes Federation to mark World Diabetes Day.
The study found that 55% of Indian employees with the condition had experienced discrimination or stigma in the workplace. The findings, drawn from international survey data, underline persistent gaps in awareness, support and workplace policy for millions managing diabetes while in employment.
The Federation said the results expose the depth of workplace disadvantage. Dr Banshi Saboo, regional chair for South East Asia at the International Diabetes Federation, described the situation as “deeply concerning” and called the findings a global wake-up call for employers. “It is indefensible that people living with diabetes are facing stigma, isolation and discrimination in the workplace,” he said.
The research reported that 42% of Indian employees with diabetes had considered leaving their job because of how workers with the condition are treated. Those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes faced the highest levels of negative treatment at 63%, compared with 51% among those with type 2.
The pressures extend beyond bias to the practicalities of daily management. Four in ten respondents said they had been denied breaks or time off required to manage their condition. Nearly one in five felt uncomfortable administering insulin at work, and 11% said they did not feel at ease checking blood glucose levels during working hours.
These constraints have tangible career consequences. More than a third of respondents — 37% — said they had missed out on training or development opportunities because of their diagnosis. The report noted that concerns about disclosure compound the problem. Although only a small proportion of employees had not told their employer about their condition, two thirds of those who remained silent feared being treated differently, and a third worried disclosure would damage their career progression.
The study highlighted a reliance on informal support in the absence of structured workplace mechanisms. More than a quarter of respondents said they had shared their condition with only one trusted colleague, while fewer than half had disclosed it to more than a handful of people. The Federation said the findings point to a broader discomfort in raising diabetes-related needs through formal channels.
Globally, the research found significant regional variation. Negative treatment rates were highest in Pakistan at 68%, followed by India and then the United States at 42%.
Dr Saboo said employers needed to recognise the physical and mental toll of living with diabetes and adopt workplace policies that create safe conditions for disease management. “Simple changes, like flexible schedules and private spaces to check glucose levels or administer insulin, can make a world of difference,” he said. “Employees with diabetes deserve respect, understanding and equal opportunities.”
As part of its World Diabetes Day campaign, the International Diabetes Federation urged companies to strengthen awareness, train managers to support employees with chronic conditions and build work environments where health conversations are encouraged rather than avoided. The Federation said organisations that take such steps are better positioned to retain talent and promote long-term wellbeing.
The research was conducted by Arlington Research, which surveyed 1,400 adults living with diabetes across seven countries: Argentina, China, Germany, India, Pakistan, South Africa and the United States.