Diabetes Mellitus and its Association with Work Patterns and Characteristics: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of disability with adverse effects on the quality of life. It also affects occupational health by impacting several work-related parameters. This review discusses the relationship between diabetes and absenteeism, presenteeism, work impairment and unemployment. The association between work and diabetic complications such as neuropathic pain, diabetic foot, psychological issues and hypoglycemia due to treatment is also examined. Evidence points to a relationship between diabetes and absenteeism, reduced work productivity, and, thus, overall work impairment. A stronger negative impact on work performance is mediated by painful diabetic neuropathy and diabetic foot. In addition, psychological distress has been positively correlated with total workdays lost and frequency of absence. Depression in the diabetic population has also been linked with increased absenteeism, presenteeism, and work disability. Moreover, hypoglycaemia induced by antidiabetic medication may affect work attendance and performance. Finally, diabetes has been associated with inequality in the work environment, lower job satisfaction and higher unemployment rates, mainly because of its complications.

Keywords

absenteeism - presenteeism - work impairment - diabetic neuropathy - diabetic foot - diabetes - hypoglycaemia

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 01. März 2024
Eingereicht: 12. August 2024

Angenommen nach Revision: 12. August 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
12. August 2024

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
18. September 2024

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