Intentional Hyperglycemia at work, Glycemic Control, Work-related Diabetes Distress and Work Ability among Workers with Diabetes

Abstract

Background. Work life of individuals with diabetes differs from that of those without diabetes. Work may interfere with diabetes self-management tasks,  resulting in intentional hyperglycemia at work (IHW) and poor glycemic control. Diabetes also can affect work productivity due to work-related diabetes distress (WRDD) and impaired work ability (WA). Methodology. A cross-sectional study was done at the Specialized Medical Hospital Mansoura University, which included 323 working patients with diabetes. They were subjected to personal interviews to collect socio-demographic data, occupational, diabetes and other pertinent medical histories. Questionnaires for measuring IHW, WRDD and WA were completed. Clinical and A1c data were obtained from their records. Results. The prevalence of always high IHW, poor/very poor glycemic control, high WRDD and poor/moderate work ability was: 23.8%, 60.1%, 34.7% and 74.6%, respectively. The predictors of always high IHW were: 1) below university education; 2) treatment with insulin only or combined with oral drugs and 3) high WRDD. The predictors of poor/very poor glycemic control were urban residence, always and almost high IHW. The predictors of high WRDD were mentally-requiring jobs or both mentally- and physically-requiring jobs, duration of diabetes greater than 14 years and treatment with insulin. The predictors of poor/moderate WA were 'high' WRDD, 'almost high' and 'high a few times'  IHW ratings. Conclusions: Most of the studied population suffered mainly from poor/very poor glycemic control and poor/moderate work ability, while a lower proportion had high WRDD. This highlighted the need for workplace modifications and interventions to help workers with diabetes control their diabetes, improve their work ability and reduce WRDD to increase productivity.