For World Diabetes Day 2025, the International Diabetes Federation is focusing on the theme “Diabetes in the Workplace.” With seven in ten people living with diabetes being of working age, the campaign underscores the importance of awareness, inclusion, and support for individuals managing diabetes in professional settings.
At Digostics, we’re joining this conversation by speaking with our chairman Hugo Tewson, who has lived with type 1 diabetes for many years. He shares his experience of managing diabetes alongside a demanding career and offers advice for how workplaces can better support their employees.
Hugo, could you tell us a little about your journey with diabetes?
"I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes twenty years ago, after spending two years feeling very unwell without knowing the cause. In the beginning, you don’t fully grasp the lifelong impact, but over time you learn how to manage it and adapt. It’s never been something that defines me, but it has shaped how I approach health, balance, and resilience in work and life."
How has living with type 1 diabetes influenced your working life?
"It certainly adds another layer of planning and self-awareness. You can’t just skip meals or push through a day without thinking about your glucose levels. I’ve had meetings where I’ve needed to pause and check my blood sugar or grab a quick snack - and I’ve learned that’s okay. Being open about diabetes at work helps normalise it and encourages others to take their health seriously too."
What are some of the biggest challenges people with diabetes face in the workplace?
"One is the lack of understanding. Diabetes management can seem invisible - it’s not always clear why someone might need a break, a snack, or time to check their glucose. Without awareness, that can lead to awkwardness or even judgement. The other challenge is flexibility - having the space to eat on time, manage stress, and maintain routines that support stable glucose levels."
How can workplaces become more supportive environments for people with diabetes?
"Awareness is the first step. Employers don’t need to be experts, but they should create a culture where people feel comfortable disclosing their condition and asking for what they need. Simple things - like allowing flexible breaks, ensuring healthy meal options, and understanding the signs of hypoglycaemia - can make a big difference."
It’s also important to normalise conversations around chronic conditions in general. Supportive environments benefit everyone, not just those with diabetes.
What’s your message for World Diabetes Day?
"Diabetes is something millions of people manage every day while working hard and leading full lives. With awareness, empathy, and practical support, workplaces can empower people with diabetes to thrive - not just cope.
For me, World Diabetes Day is a reminder that understanding and inclusion don’t just improve wellbeing - they improve performance, productivity, and humanity at work."
At Digostics, we stand with the IDF in raising awareness this World Diabetes Day. Together, let’s create workplaces that truly understand and support people living with diabetes - today and every day.