• Research puts India and the US in second and third place for workplace discrimination against diabetics
• Finds people with Type 1 diabetes face greater prejudice
• Says many denied time off needed for medical care
KARACHI: More than two-thirds of employees living with diabetes in Pakistan have faced negative treatment at work because of their health condition, while over half have even considered leaving their jobs due to fear of discrimination and stigma, according to new research released by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).
The IDF survey revealed that 68 per cent of employees with diabetes in Pakistan reported negative workplace experiences — the highest rate among all participating countries followed by India (55pc) and the United States (42pc).
Over 58pc said they had thought about quitting their jobs because of how people with diabetes are treated at work.
Vice president of the IDF and president of the National Association of Diabetes Educators of Pakistan (NADEP) Erum Ghafoor described the findings as “deeply concerning”.
“It is indefensible that people living with diabetes are facing stigma, isolation and discrimination at their workplaces,” she said.
The study found that employees with Type 1 diabetes were more vulnerable to workplace bias, with nearly three-quarters (72pc) reporting negative experiences compared to 41pc of those with Type 2 diabetes. More than half (52pc) said they had been denied short breaks or time off needed for diabetes management.
The research also found that diabetes-related stigma significantly affects career growth. Over one-third (37pc) of respondents said they had missed out on career development or training opportunities because of their condition.
The report noted that fear and silence compound these challenges, with many employees reluctant to disclose their condition. Only one in 20 workers had shared details of their diagnosis with their employer. Half of them admitted they had kept it secret out of fear of being treated differently, while nearly a third of those feared that revealing their condition would limit their career progression.
The study highlighted that many employees continue to rely on informal peer support rather than institutional mechanisms. Around 46pc said they had confided in just one trusted colleague, while only 26pc had shared their diagnosis with a few others.
According to the IDF, this hesitation underscores a lack of trust in workplace systems and the need for inclusive environments where health concerns can be addressed openly.
Daily diabetes management remains another challenge
The research disclosed that about 22pc of employees felt uncomfortable administering insulin at workplace, while 16pc were uneasy about checking their blood glucose levels. Without proper facilities or understanding from employers, these routine medical needs can become daily obstacles, increasing stress and affecting productivity.
“No one should have to hide their condition out of fear of being treated differently or denied opportunities,” said Ms Ghafoor.
“Living with diabetes requires continuous management, and workplaces must recognise the physical and mental toll it can take. Simple steps such as flexible schedules, privacy for glucose checks, and understanding from supervisors can make a world of difference,” she emphasised.
According to IDF, 33 million people in Pakistan — 26.7pc of its total population — have been diagnosed with diabetes. This number is expected to increase to 62m in 2045. The number of people with diabetes awaiting diagnosis in the country is 8.9m.
Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2025.