November the 14th was World Diabetes Day.  Objectives of this year’s campaign include increasing awareness of the risk factors for diabetes, signs of the disease and improving prevention. Although type 1 diabetes is not preventable, type 2 “can be prevented in many cases by maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active.” (International Diabetes Foundation).

For further information on risk factors and treatment, see the World Diabetes Day website or the National Diabetes Education Program website. If your business plans to share information with employees in conjunction with Diabetes month (November), organizations such as the American  and Canadian Diabetes Associations are good sources of information.

Employees with diabetes should not have to face discrimination in the workplace. Workplace guidelines can be found at the American Diabetes Association,  the Canadian Diabetes Association and Department of Justice.

References:

American Diabetes Association. “Employment Discrimination” [www.diabetes.org]. 2009.

Canadian Diabetes Association. “Diabetes in the Workplace: A Guide for Employers and Employees” [www.diabetes.ca]. 2009.

Department of Justice. “ADA Regulations and Technical Assistance Materials” [www.ada.gov]. October 22, 2009.

International Diabetes Foundation. “World Diabetes Day: November 14” [www.worlddiabetesday.org]. 2009.