ECE2019 Poster Presentations Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism 3 (112 abstracts)
Institut National de Nutrition de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.
Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that can have a significant impact on fitness for work. The aim of our study was to study the impact of diabetes on work activity in diabetics.
Methods: It was a descriptive and analytical study. It was conducted in 200 diabetic patients at the National Institute of Nutrition in Tunis. Patients received a clinical examination and standard biological assessment.
Results: We included 200 patients with type 2 diabetes. The mean age was 52.78±14.2 years. The mean duration of diabetes progression was 12±8.41 years. Mean HbA1c was 9.9±2.09%. In our study, 1.5% were under dietary rules only and 51% under insulin therapy. The rest (47.5%) was on oral antidiabetic drugs. Most of them were workers (38.7%), civil servants (24.7%), drivers (10.9%), farmers (9.1%) and teachers (8.9%). The rest of the population was assigned to other professions. Episodes of hypoglycemia were reported by 28.6% of patients. Absenteeism due to diabetes was observed in 55.4% of cases. The main causes of absenteeism were semi-annual controls at the consultation (38%), hospitalization (18%) and episodes of hypoglycaemia (11%). Absenteeism was significantly correlated with the imbalance of diabetes (P<0.005) and complications (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Diabetes is a debilitating disease that impacts the working life of the patient by reducing the chances of work but also limiting physical abilities during work. In order to limit work accidents and absenteeism among diabetic workers, regular monitoring and strict supervision is necessary.