Diabetes support for employees

Learn about the risks, symptoms and impact of diabetes and how you can create a supportive work environment for employees living with the condition.

In this section:

In Wales, around 220,000 people are living with diabetes (opens in new window), 90% of whom have Type 2 diabetes – a serious condition that can lead to major health complications. By 2035, projections indicate that one in 11 adults will be affected. However, lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by up to 50% (opens in new window).

Type 2 diabetes is closely linked to lifestyle choices, many of which can be influenced by workplace habits.

Key risk factors include:

Age

Risk increases significantly after 40.

Eating well and weight

Not having a healthy diet, and being overweight/obese, raises the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Ethnicity

Higher risk among South Asian, African-Caribbean and Black African communities.

Family history

Having a family history of diabetes can make a person more likely to develop the condition.

High blood pressure

This can lead to insulin resistance in muscle and fat cells, meaning the body needs more insulin to lower blood sugar levels.

Page last reviewed: 20th March 2025