People who drive for a living have double the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Five million people in the UK have diabetes and one in four are unaware they have the condition. 

Already a national health emergency, diabetes is a major threat to the performance, growth and sustainability of the road haulage sector. In addition to compromising the health and wellbeing of employees, road haulage businesses must be ready to manage the folllowing risks:

• Diabetic hypos and hypers can cause significant safety incidents. For every 1,000 employees there will be an estimated 1-3 severe hypos happening in the workplace per month.
• Diabetes complications lead to early workforce exit and loss of skills. An estimated 38% of employees with diabetes aged 45-64 exit the workforce early due to diabetes complications.
• Workplace practices may directly contribute to the development of diabetes and/or diabetes complications. Employees with diabetes often act against doctor’s orders on managing the condition to ensure they meet productivity goals at work. 
• Hypos and hypers reduce worker productivity. Drivers with diabetic peripheral nerve damage (estimated to be 50% of all people with diabetes) drive around 35% slower. 
• Employees are legally required to manage diabetes risks and are liable even where an employee chooses not to disclose the condition 

Kate Walker, Managing Director, Diabetes Safety Organisation

Kate Walker is Managing Director of the Diabetes Safety Organisation, working in the construction and logistics sector, addressing the ever-present and increasing safety risk posed by diabetes. The company works with Gowling WLG to increase awareness and understanding of the invisible risk associated with diabetes.

Diabetes is an invisible condition which can cause an individual to suddenly lose consciousness from a hypoglycaemic episode at any time. Civil and criminal liability could follow if steps have not been taken to identify and eliminate the risk.

Kate is also a published author with a wealth of experience covering Health, Nutrition, Diabetes, Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Sport and Exercise Science. She is working with Birmingham University and is the Chair of the charity, Cuppa Squad, supporting people living with diabetes.