Driving awareness: Diabetes and workforce health in transport
09 June 2025
A new report launched ahead of Diabetes Week is calling attention to a serious but often overlooked issue in the road transport sector: the growing impact of type 2 diabetes among professional drivers.
Hiding in Plain Sight – The UK Diabetes Crisis: A Call to Action to the Road Transport Sector reveals that as many as 2 in 5 transport workers could be living with diabetes — many undiagnosed. The condition can affect concentration, reaction times and long-term health, all of which have clear implications for driver safety and fitness to work.
The report, developed by the Diabetes Safety Organisation in partnership with PACTS and Driving for Better Business, highlights how unmanaged diabetes is contributing to:
- Increased driver absences and early retirement
- Legal and safety risks for employers
- Greater pressure on an already stretched workforce
It also outlines practical, reasonable steps employers can take to support drivers and improve awareness — including the new Diabetes Safe accreditation now adopted by the Road Haulage Association (RHA).
We recommend all transport operators take the time to read this important report and consider what it means for their workforce and compliance obligations.
Download the report: diabetessafety.org/hiding-in-plain-sight
Backhouse Jones provides expert legal advice on workplace health and safety tailored to the transport sector. If you want to ensure your policies effectively address the challenges highlighted in this report, contact us.
