Diabetes Discrimination Rife in Pakistani Workplaces, Alarming Survey Reveals

According to a recent survey by the International Diabetes Federation, Pakistan is facing a severe crisis of discrimination against people living with diabetes, including children who will soon enter the workforce.

The survey found that a staggering 68% of Pakistani employees with diabetes report negative treatment at work, making it not just a workplace issue but a public health and societal failure. Alarmingly, 58% of employees have even considered quitting their jobs due to this discrimination. The situation is particularly dire for those with Type 1 diabetes, the form most common in children, with nearly three-quarters reporting discriminatory experiences, such as being denied breaks for essential glucose checks or insulin administration.

This crisis extends to Pakistan's youth, as the country is witnessing a worrying rise in childhood diabetes cases. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that around 1.8 million children and adolescents worldwide live with Type 1 diabetes, and Pakistan is among the countries seeing an increase. Local paediatricians also report a growing number of Type 2 diabetes diagnoses in urban centres, driven by poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyles, and weak preventive care. These children will soon become part of a workforce that is clearly unprepared to support them.

The findings are a stark reminder that Pakistan's diabetes crisis is not just a medical issue, but a social and generational one as well. Employers must take immediate action to create inclusive and supportive workplaces, providing flexible schedules, private spaces for glucose monitoring, and strict non-discrimination policies. Only then can Pakistan ensure a healthy and productive future for all its citizens, regardless of their medical condition.