Diabetes and Workplace Injuries: Unveiling the Hidden Risks

Angelica Lawson
11 Nov 2024
5 min read

Employees with diabetes face unique challenges in the workplace, as the condition can significantly impact their physical health and increase the risk of injuries. Diabetes-related complications, such as nerve damage, vision impairment, and fatigue, can impair coordination, balance, and awareness—critical factors in avoiding workplace accidents. This is particularly concerning in environments where physical demands, heavy machinery, and potential hazards are part of daily tasks. Understanding how diabetes contributes to workplace injuries is essential for creating safer work environments and supporting employees effectively.

Researchers in Finland conducted a large cohort study using an objective assessment of diabetes and occupational injuries, confirming the strong relationship between diabetes and worksite accidents and injuries.  

Across genders, they found that Women with diabetes had a 36–37% higher risk of workplace and commuting injuries compared to women without diabetes.  Whereas, Men with insulin-treated diabetes faced a significantly higher commuting injury risk, being 152% more likely to sustain injuries, with this risk rising to 649% higher in extreme cases.  

Out of the employees with diabetes, 25% experienced an occupational injury during the follow-up period compared to 20% of employees without diabetes. The most common injuries were dislocations, sprains, and strains (41%), with upper extremities (31%) and lower extremities (30%) being the most frequently affected areas.  

For women, diabetes was associated with a higher risk of specific types of workplace injuries:  

  • 160% higher risk of bone fractures (HR 2.60).  
  • 41% higher risk of dislocations, sprains, and strains (HR 1.41).  
  • 47% higher risk of upper extremity injuries (HR 1.47).  
  • 83% higher risk of lower extremity injuries (HR 1.83).  

These findings highlight how poorly managed diabetes increases workplace hazards. Symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and impaired consciousness, along with complications like vision impairment and nerve damage, significantly elevate the risk of injuries, including falls, sprains, and fractures.

Using this study, we can underscore the critical need for workplace health and safety measures tailored to employees with diabetes. With help from Ceratec Health, employers can prioritize diabetes screening, proper management, and support to mitigate these risks and improve workplace safety outcomes.

Reference: Kouvonen, A., Kivimäki, M., Pentti, J., Aalto, V., Oksanen, T., Virtanen, M., & Vahtera, J. (2017). Diabetes and risk of occupational injury: a cohort study. Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association, 34(11), 1629–1636. https://doi.org/10.1111/dme.13423