How to manage diabetes: Tips for work, travel and sports

The key to good diabetes management is awareness of yourself and your surroundings. By paying attention to how your body can react in different situations and careful planning, you can continue to be active in all types of environments and situations.

As you start your insulin journey, you might be wondering ‘do I need to carry insulin everywhere I go?’, or ‘what happens if I don’t have access to my insulin?’. Don’t worry! Here are some tips from Jan Kruszynski, who is living with type 2 diabetes, to answer your questions on managing diabetes with insulin day-to-day.

Having an insulin injection routine can mean making accommodations to ensure you are able to check your blood sugar and take your medication when needed. When you’re on the go, it can be helpful to carry your insulin with you and stick to your routine, so you’re always prepared to manage your blood sugar levels throughout the day. If this sounds overwhelming at first, that’s okay! Read on to find out what you can or should do when injecting insulin in different situations.

Many people can manage their diabetes without being affected at work. However, a full workday may mean that you struggle with eating healthily, taking medication or keeping your blood sugar stable^1,2. Here are some things you can do to feel your best in the workplace.

• Start the day right: Never miss breakfast. This can lead to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), especially if you are on insulin or a medication to increase your insulin levels. Hypoglycaemia can affect your health, performance and safety at work³.
• Plan your meals: Take your own healthy packed lunch and snacks to work – you'll know exactly what you're eating and be able to plan accordingly. If you use a canteen or shop, get to know the healthy choices.

• Testing and injecting: Make sure you have access to a hygienic place where you can test and inject in comfort.
• Pens and medication: Always keep a spare pen at work. If you need to store your medication in a refrigerator, label it clearly so it is not used or discarded by accident. Use medication before the expiry date and read the label for 'in-use' storage guidance.

• Know your rights: The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has developed a Charter of Rights for people with diabetes  that covers fair treatment, career progression and support in the workplace⁴. Many countries have adopted similar charters.
• Inform recruiters and employers: There are usually no legal requirements to tell recruiters about your diabetes. However, a new employer is allowed to ask appropriate health-related questions to ensure you are able to do the job.

• Tell your colleagues: It's up to you whether you tell your colleagues. If you do, you may consider providing a simple explanation about diabetes and guidance on what to do if you experience hypoglycaemia so they feel confident about helping you if needed⁵.

You may not feel like checking your blood sugar levels or injecting your diabetes medication when you are sick. However, it is really important that you continue to do this to keep your diabetes under control. When you're feeling unwell, don’t forget to reach out to your healthcare professional for support with your diabetes management.

Your blood sugar levels can rise when you’re ill⁹, so keep checking and adjust your insulin dose if necessary. If you are nauseous or vomiting, you may not be taking in enough carbohydrates (sugar). When you do not eat and take your insulin, you are at risk of getting low blood sugar. Try sipping sugary drinks or eating a little ‘easy’ food, such as soup or ice cream, or suck on sugar tablets¹⁰.

Generally, it is a good idea to take your insulin pen, a mobile phone and a sugary snack with you when exercising so that you are prepared in case of emergencies. Make sure you are wearing a medical alert that tells others you are on insulin.

Also, make sure you are not exposing the insulin in your pen to extreme temperatures (>25°C, <4°C), such as by leaving it in the sun or next to a frosty playing field¹¹.

Before starting any exercise programme, however, speak to your diabetes healthcare professional and ask for their advice. They will probably give you a general check-up and tell you how to adjust your food and medication, including insulin, to balance your blood sugar control accordingly. 

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