Most Pakistani employees with diabetes face workplace discrimination

By Mushfiq Ahmad

KARACHI, Pakistan (MNTV) — 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, according to new research by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

The IDF survey, conducted ahead of World Diabetes Day being observed on November 14,  revealed that 68 percent of workers with diabetes in Pakistan reported negative workplace experiences, the highest rate among all participating countries. 

Over 58pc 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 (72pc) reporting negative experiences compared to 41pc of those with type 2 diabetes. More than half (52pc) 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 (37pc) 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 and 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 46pc of workers said they had confided in just one trusted colleague, while only 26pc 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 22pc of employees said they felt uncomfortable administering insulin at work, while 16pc 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 (55pc) and the United States (42pc).

“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 recognize 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 organization said creating an inclusive and respectful environment benefits not just those with diabetes but the entire workforce.

Prof Abdul Basit, director of Indus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, said obesity and unhealthy lifestyle habits were the major reasons why diabetes had become a major health concern in Pakistan. 

He said that the roots of diabetes often begin even before birth. The “programming” for obesity and diabetes occurs during pregnancy, depending on maternal health and nutrition. Babies born underweight or overweight are both at higher risk of developing diabetes later in life. Therefore, improving maternal and child health is seen as the foundation for diabetes prevention in Pakistan, he added.

Unfortunately, maternal and child healthcare remains inadequate, especially in rural areas, said Basit. Despite this, some provinces have taken independent initiatives to strengthen diabetes care. Punjab has established more than 120 Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) clinics that also treat diabetes, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has launched a free insulin bank. These efforts show that provincial governments can move forward with proper commitment and budgeting, he added.

He said there were gaps, however. Pakistan has an estimated 70,000 children living with Type 1 diabetes, yet only a fraction receive free insulin through government or NGO support. Around 8–10 NGOs are currently distributing insulin to 10,000–15,000 children across the country — a small portion of the total in need. 

He said that the government must assume full responsibility, as NGOs cannot meet the national demand.

Prevention remains key 

Diabetes can be prevented — and even reversed — mainly through weight management, said Basit. He said weight should be around 50 kilograms for someone 5 feet tall and 70 kilograms for someone 6 feet tall. Maintaining this weight range significantly lowers the risk of diabetes, he said.

Lifestyle and meal timing also play a critical role, said Basit. In Pakistan, many people eat dinner late at night and breakfast near noon — habits strongly linked to rising diabetes rates. He advised adopting global eating patterns: breakfast early in the morning and dinner before 7 p.m. 

Consistent mealtimes, combined with physical activity, can prevent and even reverse early-stage diabetes, he said.

He said Pakistanis consume a huge number of soft drinks, and recommended that the government raise taxation rates for such beverages to discourage their consumption. 

Public awareness is essential. Experts call on the media to promote preventive measures, such as early screening and weight control. A quick self-assessment tool — a “rapid score” — can help individuals determine their diabetes risk in under 30 seconds. 

The message is clear: diabetes is both preventable and reversible through timely intervention, healthy eating, and improved maternal and child health.