World Diabetes Day 2025: Enhancing workplace diabetes awareness and action

"Bangladesh alone faces nearly 20 million diabetic adults, with rates accelerating due to rapid urbanisation, dietary changes, and limited physical activity. Because most adults spend the majority of their day at work, workplaces are critical settings for prevention, early detection, and management."

— Dr Shahjada Selim Associate Professor, Department of Endocrinology Bangladesh Medical University

World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14, marks the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting, whose discovery of insulin transformed global diabetes care. Established by the International Diabetes Federation and World Health Organisation in 1991, it is now the world's largest diabetes awareness campaign, reaching over one billion people in more than 160 countries. Each year highlights a specific theme, and the 2025 focus—"Know More and Do More for Diabetes at Work"—emphasises the link between diabetes awareness and occupational wellbeing.

The global challenge

According to the IDF Diabetes Atlas 2024, an estimated 537 million adults worldwide have diabetes, a figure projected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. Alarmingly, more than half remain undiagnosed.

The occupational health connection

Work environments strongly influence daily nutrition, movement, and stress patterns. Irregular eating, long sedentary hours, and limited access to nutritious food increase the risk of metabolic disorders. Diabetic employees often face practical challenges—from maintaining glucose levels during work hours to accessing appropriate meals and managing their condition discreetly. Without adequate support, diabetes contributes to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare costs.

"Know More" and "Do More" in action

The campaign's "Know More" component encourages workplace education on risk factors, early warning signs, and the importance of routine screening. Simple awareness activities, wellness events, and collaborations with health professionals can help identify undiagnosed cases.

The "Do More" component highlights practical steps organisations can take: offering healthier food options, promoting movement breaks, reducing stress through supportive services, allowing time for glucose monitoring and medication, and integrating technology to assist self-management. These measures align with the American Diabetes Association's 2025 Standards of Care, which stress lifestyle modification and regular monitoring beyond clinical settings.

Bangladesh context

Bangladesh's textile, industrial, and service sectors face heightened metabolic risks due to sedentary roles and limited health awareness. Coordinated efforts by employers, health authorities, and organisations such as the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Endocrine Society can support screening programmes, health education, and workplace-based lifestyle interventions.

Summary

The 2025 campaign reinforces that awareness must be paired with action. Integrating diabetes education, prevention, and management into workplace health systems can reduce the national disease burden and improve quality of life. Through shared responsibility, organisations can build diabetes-informed workplaces where knowledge leads to meaningful, sustained wellbeing.