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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2024; 132(11): 642-649
DOI: 10.1055/a-2384-6275
Mini-Review

Diabetes Mellitus and its Association with Work Patterns and Characteristics: A Narrative Review

Anna Eleftheriou
1   Second Department of Surgery General Hospital of Nikaia and Piraeus “Agios Panteleimon”, Piraeus, Greece
,
Aikaterini Rokou
2   Laboratory of Social Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace – Alexandropoulis Campus, Alexandroupolis, Greece (Ringgold ID: RIN112220)
,
Evangelia Nena
2   Laboratory of Social Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace – Alexandropoulis Campus, Alexandroupolis, Greece (Ringgold ID: RIN112220)
,
Nikolaos Papanas 
3   Second Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of disability with adverse effects on the quality of life. It also affects occupational health by impacting several work-related parameters. This review discusses the relationship between diabetes and absenteeism, presenteeism, work impairment and unemployment. The association between work and diabetic complications such as neuropathic pain, diabetic foot, psychological issues and hypoglycemia due to treatment is also examined. Evidence points to a relationship between diabetes and absenteeism, reduced work productivity, and, thus, overall work impairment. A stronger negative impact on work performance is mediated by painful diabetic neuropathy and diabetic foot. In addition, psychological distress has been positively correlated with total workdays lost and frequency of absence. Depression in the diabetic population has also been linked with increased absenteeism, presenteeism, and work disability. Moreover, hypoglycaemia induced by antidiabetic medication may affect work attendance and performance. Finally, diabetes has been associated with inequality in the work environment, lower job satisfaction and higher unemployment rates, mainly because of its complications.

Keywords

absenteeism - presenteeism - work impairment - diabetic neuropathy - diabetic foot - diabetes - hypoglycaemia


Publication History

Received: 01 March 2024
Received: 12 August 2024

Accepted after revision: 12 August 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
12 August 2024

Article published online:
18 September 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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