World Diabetes Day (WDD), observed globally on 14 November, commemorates the birth of Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin. It is the world's largest diabetes awareness campaign, reaching over one billion people across 160+ countries. This year's theme, "Diabetes and the Workplace", underscores a critical truth: with nearly 70% of adults living with diabetes being of working age*, workplaces are pivotal in prevention, early detection, and ongoing management of this chronic condition. Work environments shape daily habits nutrition, movement, stress - all of which influence metabolic health. Long sedentary hours, irregular meals, and limited access to healthy food options increase diabetes risk. For employees already living with diabetes, challenges such as stigma, lack of flexibility for glucose monitoring, and inadequate mental health support can lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and higher healthcare costs. Creating supportive workplaces is not just a health imperative; it's a business priority.
Novo Nordisk, the global leader in diabetes care, has been transforming lives in Bangladesh for over 68 years. Staying true to its mission of defeating diabetes, Novo Nordisk has consistently led awareness, advocacy, and access initiatives across the country. For World Diabetes Day 2025, Novo Nordisk Bangladesh partnered with various organizations to drive meaningful change and create a healthier workplace environment aligned with this year's theme:
• Corporate Wellness Activations: Novo Nordisk has joined hands with the Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) to launch an impactful initiative titled "Diabetes & the Workplace: Building Healthier Work Environments" across FICCI member companies. As part of this campaign, employees are encouraged to self-assess their diabetes risk using the Diabetes Risk Calculator, followed by engaging 'Diabetes Life Talk' sessions conducted by qualified healthcare professionals (HCPs). To date, three programs have been successfully conducted, receiving vibrant participation.
• Mobile Diabetes Clinics: Addressing this year's World Diabetes Day theme, Novo Nordisk Bangladesh extended its efforts beyond conventional workplace settings and reached the everyday workplaces of blue-collar workers. Many of these individuals lack access to regular health check-ups and may not be aware of their risk of developing diabetes. That's why Novo Nordisk Bangladesh proudly introduced the 'Diabetes Life' Bus, stationed at Kawran Bazar, opposite the Prothom Alo office. This mobile initiative was designed to support working individuals in low-resource settings by offering free diabetes screenings and raising awareness about the growing burden of diabetes and its complications. Through this initiative, approximately 200 people were screened for diabetes and received lifestyle consultations based on their results.
• Awareness Campaigns: Novo Nordisk Bangladesh, building on its 68-year legacy of advancing diabetes care, proudly engaged nearly 150 healthcare partners through activation programs, awareness rallies, and scientific seminars under the banner "Know More, Do More for Diabetes at Work." To drive meaningful change, Novo Nordisk introduced an interactive QR code that empowered stakeholders to:
* Self-assess their risk of diabetes
* Evaluate if their workplace is diabetes-friendly
* Access an informative video on diabetes and the workplace
The theme "Diabetes and the Workplace" is a call to action for employers, policymakers, and health advocates. International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has provided the following guidelines to do more for diabetes at work-
We all need to learn more, do more, and act now to defeat diabetes. Together, we can create workplaces that empower healthier choices, reduce disease burden, and foster inclusive growth
Let's work together to drive change in our workplace settings and build a healthier Bangladesh!
