New survey highlights emotional and professional challenges faced by people with diabetes
Individuals living with diabetes are at higher risk of experiencing poor wellbeing and negative work experiences, new survey findings from Roche have shown ahead of World Diabetes Day.
More than 16,000 people responded to the global survey carried out by the healthcare company to give people with diabetes a voice to share their lived experience.
Among the 4,326 participants living with diabetes, two-thirds reported that their condition significantly impacted their emotional wellbeing and nearly three-quarters feel anxious or worried about their future, the survey has reported.
In addition, nearly half of the respondents with diabetes believe their condition would negatively impact their ability to change careers, while a quarter said a better understanding of the condition in the workplace would improve their lives.
This survey builds on the valuable work conducted by organisations such as the International Diabetes Federation, and national charities such as Diabetes UK to help to further raise awareness and understanding of what it is like to live with diabetes.
Roche is hoping the survey results will help healthcare professionals to recognise the additional layers of stress and burden diabetes can bring to people living with the condition.
Claire Marriott, Medical Affairs Lead EMEA-LATAM at Roche, said: “It is important to us to listen to people with diabetes. We need to understand their needs and know where there are gaps in the support they are receiving as this can help us focus on how we can help them.
“We know that this is not a new topic and we know organisations have been working on this already, so we hope this survey will give more evidence to these groups so they can continue championing the importance of support for people with diabetes.”
She added: “From a healthcare professional perspective, it is really just taking into account the mental aspect of living with diabetes, as well as the physical. Even just asking how somebody is can really make a difference to them in that appointment.”
The World Diabetes Day 2025 theme is ‘Diabetes and Wellbeing’. This theme highlights the importance of accessing care and support to ensure everyone with diabetes can live well, covering physical, mental and societal aspects.