The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Diabetes Awareness Month begins on Nov. 1. World Diabetes Day is also coming up on Nov. 14, marking the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting. Banting discovered the insulin hormone along with Charles Herbert Best in 1922.
We compiled lists in 2021, 2022 and 2023 and 2024, highlighting some of the action taken by these companies for these landmark dates. Insulet also announced its own initiatives last year and, earlier this year, drove awareness for diabetes with the launch of a comic book hero, alongside Marvel. Now, the company is adding some new efforts in 2025.
To better understand the impact of diabetes in the workplace, the automated insulin delivery system maker commissioned an external global survey of 9,656 workers with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, as well as caregivers and those without diabetes. The survey ranges across more than 10 sectors in 11 countries.
Insulet said its survey revealed three key issues faced by people with diabetes and their caregivers in their professional lives: misunderstanding of diabetes, stigmas and a supportive workplace.
“Nearly 590 million people worldwide live with diabetes, and approximately 70 percent are of working age. Yet too often their experience at work is shaped by misunderstanding, fear of disclosure, and a lack of meaningful support,” said Ashley McEvoy, Insulet president and CEO. “At Insulet, we’re proud to shine a light on this important issue and spark action in the workplace that helps people with diabetes focus on what matters most – doing their best work and living their best lives.”
What the survey said
Insulet said the survey showed that the misunderstanding of diabetes underscores the need for education and broader support. The company said that 42% of people with diabetes and caregivers reported experiencing workplace-related anxiety tied to diabetes management.
More than half (57%) of respondents without diabetes say they feel confident supporting colleagues with the condition. However, 21% of people with diabetes say poor awareness from colleagues makes their job more difficult.Additionally, 61% without diabetes can’t confidently identify the symptoms of diabetes. Meanwhile, the survey said nearly half feel confident naming pop culture references like Harry Potter characters (41%) or their country’s top football teams (46%).
Insulet also says stigmas remain “deeply entrenched in many workplaces.” Of respondents with diabetes, 79% say they faced bias or misunderstanding at work. More than a quarter (27%) reported fears that diabetes could limit opportunities or lead to discrimination or judgment in the workplace. Nearly a quarter (21%) of people with diabetes conceal their condition from colleagues or managers.
The survey revealed that 86% of people with diabetes experience barriers at work due to their diabetes. They believe employers have clear opportunities to support them and improve inclusion. They could offer private spaces, a variety of food options and adequate breaks. More than half (57%) with diabetes say they face at least one of these barriers and this could remove obstacles. They also cite mindfulness tools as key, reporting reduced stress, better sleep and less anxiety.
“I wish more employers understood that diabetes may not be a visible chronic illness, but it affects many spheres of our lives, whether it’s in terms of our mental or physical health, or even our emotions,” said Judy Mitri, a communications professional and Omnipod user in Canada. “A little empathy can go a long way.”
What Insulet is doing to help
Insulet said that it plans to launch a suite of resources to spark awareness and action around diabetes in the workplace. That includes a dedicated landing page with a whitepaper on healthcare provider support. It also plans to offer an infographic with key survey insights, personal stories from Omnipod users and employees with diabetes and practical checklists for supporting colleagues.
The company said this effort marks the beginning of Insulet’s plan to elevate the conversation around diabetes and wellbeing. It plans to continue driving awareness, support and inclusion through 2026 and beyond. Similarly, Abbott earlier this year launched a campaign aimed at addressing diabetes stigmas.
Insulet also set out a list of its other efforts to drive improvements during Diabetes Awareness Month.
- Charitable Donations: Through its Insulet for Good program, the Company will donate to the American Diabetes Association and the International Diabetes Federation to support workplace-focused programming for people with diabetes.
- Letters of Support for Children: Employees will write handwritten letters of encouragement to children recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, in collaboration with Breakthrough T1D.
- Community Event Sponsorships: Insulet will sponsor several community events throughout November, including initiatives by Risely Health, Children with Diabetes, Team Together, Fundación Phabian, and more.
- Employee Stories: Members of Insulet’s Podder Alliance Network, a group of employees living with, caring for, or supporting people with diabetes, are sharing their perspectives on managing diabetes in the workplace and how diabetes has impacted their professional career.
