Diabetes and Well-Being at Work: A Day in the Life of a Researcher Living with Type 1 Diabetes

Seven in ten people living with diabetes are of working age. Many face daily challenges managing their diabetes in the workplace. This year World Diabetes Day addresses diabetes and well-being at work.

“Know more and do more for diabetes at work” #DiabetesLife

To learn more about what it means to manage diabetes at work we asked Nefeli Dimitropoulou a researcher in the MELISSA project that is living with diabetes to take us along during her workday.

How does a workday start for you?

My day starts at 8:00 a.m. with a quick check of my glucose values. Before I leave my home for work, I need to have breakfast. Before I eat my breakfast, I calculate my carb intake and (taking into account that I will cycle to work) inject insulin. As I live in the Netherlands I cycle to work almost every day, and without breakfast I would most likely have a hypoglycemia, when I arrive at work.

What is a hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is the medical term for low blood sugar, which can cause headaches, tiredness, weakness, confusion, dizziness, shakiness, sweating, blurred vision, and worse.

What’s next once you arrive at your workplace?

I usually start my workday with a cup of coffee. Then I start working at my desk and attending online meetings. Throughout the morning, I regularly check my glucose values which is very important. For example, today I noticed my glucose values were going low at 10:00, so I ate a small piece of chocolate to avoid hypoglycemia.

What about lunch?

I usually eat lunch at 12:00, which was an adjustment for me, because I am from Greece where lunch is much later around 14:30. After lunch my glucose values are going up a bit (lunch effect), but this works in my favour especially when I have meetings in the afternoon as that’s good for my focus.

How does your day continue?

In the afternoon I have a snack. Today I had a presentation for my department, so I injected a little less insulin and also set a temporary target on my insulin pump to avoid my glucose values dropping too low (hypoglycemia) which makes me less productive. After my presentation I end my workday and eat a quick dinner before I go climbing. I love exercising, specifically climbing – it keeps me active and it’s where I meet most of my friends.

Thank you for taking us along! Anything you want to add?

There are many small calculations that are part of my everyday life and managing my diabetes. It means constant monitoring and adjusting. A glucose sensor, which measures my glucose levels every five minutes, and an insulin pump help me with that. Still, it’s not always easy. It’s all about routine, balance, and self-knowledge. I am happy to get to share my experiences with others and maybe help someone to learn more about diabetes.

Watch the video for a glimpse into balancing scientific work, meetings, and glucose management: