People with diabetes can usually work normally as long as their blood glucose is stably controlled, but they should avoid high-intensity physical labor and jobs with reversed day-night schedules.
Those with well-controlled diabetes have little difference in work ability compared with healthy people. They are fully capable of daily mental work such as office work, education, design, and other desk jobs. The key is to maintain a regular schedule, stand up and move around every 1–2 hours to avoid prolonged sitting. They can monitor blood glucose with a smart bracelet and do 5–10 minutes of stretching during work breaks. For meals, it is recommended to bring standardized, healthy food to avoid high-sugar workplace meals. Some companies can negotiate a dedicated space for insulin injections, and advance notice is needed for refrigerated medication storage.
Patients with large blood glucose fluctuations or severe complications must choose jobs carefully. Those with retinopathy should not work in precision instrument operation or driving; those with peripheral neuropathy should avoid high-temperature or vibrating machinery jobs. Those with cardiovascular disease must avoid heavy labor, lifting, and high-altitude work. Some shift-work industries such as healthcare and transportation may interfere with insulin injection times, so schedule adjustments should be discussed with employers. Work should be suspended and medical attention sought immediately during acute ketoacidosis or when blood glucose continuously exceeds 13.9 mmol/L.