Diabetes tsunami threatens SA workplaces

Dr Ali Hamdulay from Metropolitan Health.

Diabetes – a non-communicable disease (NCD) directly linked to an individual’s background, lifestyle and environment. A disease considered to be preventable. So why is there an emerging global epidemic? The World Health Organisation predicts that Diabetes will become a leading global killer in the next 25 years – and South Africa is no exception. Recent data from the Council for Medical Schemes shows an alarming rise in lifestyle diseases over a five-year period, with the prevalence of type 2 Diabetes increasing by a staggering 84%.

November is Diabetes Month, with the 14th of November marking World Diabetes Day; a day that aims to create global awareness and advocacy for the disease. “South African employers’ should consider the impact that this manageable disease has on their workplaces. Over and above driving up medical costs, Diabetes and Diabetes-related diseases cause excessive absenteeism, reduced productivity and increased disability costs,” says Dr Ali Hamdulay from Metropolitan Health.

A recent Metropolitan Health Risk Management analysis of major South African employers identified Diabetes to be one of the top causes of absenteeism, along with depression and substance abuse. All are often interlinked, as depression (which can lead to substance abuse) is twice as common in employees with diabetes as those without.

“Sustaining healthy lifestyle behaviour change amongst employees can help employers to better manage the growing burden of lifestyle-related NCDs,” advises Dr Hamdulay. There are a number of workplace programmes that can enhance your business employee value proposition by investing in health, wellness and chronic disease management, such as Metropolitan Health’s diabetes management programme. Such programmes encourage employees to make lifestyle choices that will prevent or manage the disease.

Nutrition, physical activity and weight-loss programmes are vital in reducing the risk of Diabetes. Employers can establish workplace sports clubs, provide healthier catering options and host regular wellness days. Offering Diabetes screening to employees is also beneficial, as many employees with Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes are completely unaware of their condition, given their lack of significant symptoms.

“Proactive disease management is essential for those employees diagnosed with Diabetes, as it enables them to remain healthy and productive, as they manage their condition and reduce the risk of costly complications.

“By implementing preventative measures and proactively managing employees through wellness programmes and initiatives, employers are able to significantly mitigate the burden associated with disease,” says Dr Hamdulay.