Karachi: More than two-thirds of employees living with diabetes in Pakistan have faced negative treatment at work because of their condition, while over half have even considered leaving their jobs due to fear of discrimination and stigma, says a new research report released by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) on Tuesday to mark World Diabetes Day 2025.
The IDF survey revealed that 68 percent of workers with diabetes in Pakistan reported negative workplace experiences, the highest rate among all participating countries. Over 58 percent said they had thought about quitting their jobs because of how people with diabetes are treated at work.
Vice President of IDF and President of the National Association of Diabetes Educators of Pakistan (NADEP), Erum Ghafoor, described the findings as “deeply concerning” and called them a wake-up call for employers. “It is indefensible that people living with diabetes are facing stigma, isolation and discrimination in the workplace,” she said.
The study found that employees with type 1 diabetes were more vulnerable to workplace bias, with nearly three-quarters (72 percent) reporting negative experiences compared to 41 percent of those with type 2 diabetes. More than half (52 percent) said they had been denied short breaks or time off needed for diabetes management.
The research also revealed that diabetes-related stigma significantly affects career growth. Over one-third (37 percent) of respondents said they had missed out on career development or training opportunities due to their condition. The report noted that fear and silence compound these challenges, with many employees reluctant to disclose their condition.
Only one in 20 workers had kept their diagnosis secret from their employer, but half of them admitted they did so out of fear of being treated differently. Nearly a third of those feared their career progression would be limited if they revealed their condition.
The study highlighted how many employees continue to rely on informal peer support instead of institutional mechanisms. Around 46 percent of workers said they had confided in just one trusted colleague, while only 26 percent had shared their diagnosis with a few others. According to the IDF, this hesitation underscores a lack of trust in workplace systems and the need for inclusive environments where health concerns can be addressed openly.
Daily diabetes management remains another challenge. About 22 percent of employees said they felt uncomfortable administering insulin at work, while 16 percent were uneasy about checking their blood glucose levels. Without proper facilities or understanding from employers, these routine medical needs can become daily obstacles, increasing stress and affecting productivity.
“Work life and diabetes are tricky things to deal with. We need short breaks, need to follow mealtimes, monitor ourselves and carry extra things like insulin, glucometers and other supplies. Sometimes you have to go that extra mile to prove that you are like everyone else and can do as others are doing, if not better.”
The global study showed wide variation across countries, with Pakistan recording the highest rate of workplace discrimination, followed by India (55 percent) and the United States (42 percent).
“No one should have to hide their condition out of fear of being treated differently or denied opportunities,” said Erum Ghafoor. “Living with diabetes requires continuous management, and workplaces must recognise the physical and mental toll it can take. Simple steps such as flexible schedules, privacy for glucose checks, and understanding from supervisors can make a world of difference.”
As part of its World Diabetes Day campaign, the International Diabetes Federation urged employers to establish clear workplace policies to support employees with diabetes, encourage open health conversations, and provide flexibility for diabetes management. The organisation said creating an inclusive and respectful environment benefits not just those with diabetes but the entire workforce.
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