With the number of people diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes doubling over the last 2 decades and undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes prevalent in working age adults, is now the time for more employers to check for Type 2 Diabetes in the workplace?
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic lifestyle condition which over time can cause other health problems like heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and problems with eyes and feet.
Many people don’t get any signs or symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes, which is why it can go undiagnosed for years.
The most common way to diagnose Type 2 Diabetes is via blood tests to measure an individual’s blood glucose (sugar) levels.
Type 2 Diabetes – the extent of the problem
Over the last 2 decades, the number of people diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in the UK has doubled to just under 4 million people.[i]
If this rapid increase in the incidence of Type 2 Diabetes isn’t enough cause for concern, new analysis from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reveals the true extent of the problem.
In addition to the 4 million people currently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, ONS estimates a further 1 million adults are living with it undiagnosed, and 5 million adults are at risk of developing the lifestyle related disease.[ii]
Why should employers check for Type 2 Diabetes?
After smoking, Type 2 diabetes is the second most common risk factor driving death and disability in the UK.[iii] It can also lead to heart disease and stroke, two causes of long-term sickness absence.[iv]
A common misconception is Type 2 Diabetes is a disease of later life, however, as the ONS data reveals undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes is prevalent amongst working age adults.
50% of 16 to 44-year-olds and 31% of 45 to 54-year-olds with Type 2 Diabetes were previously undiagnosed.
A simple health check to help employees understand their risk of Type 2 Diabetes, along with support and advice to help manage and improve their health, could go a long way to mitigating the risk of Type 2 Diabetes in the workplace.
How LiveSmart can help
LiveSmart from Inuvi combines smart technology, expert blood testing and a human touch to provide insight, direction, and ongoing support to help employees understand, manage, and improve their health.
The LiveSmart Focus health assessment is specifically designed to help employees better understand their risk of Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease.
Deliverable anywhere, anytime, including onsite, across multiple sites and at home, LiveSmart health assessments are proven to improve employee health.
