Hiding in plain sight

Tackling diabetes to keep truck drivers safe and well

^{Diabetes and drivers: a hidden challenge}

Physical well-being should be a cornerstone of professional driving, yet a serious health issue remains overlooked on UK roads; type 2 diabetes. Supported by FORS, the recently released report, ‘Hiding in Plain Sight: The UK Diabetes Crisis’ uncovers an alarming trend.

Many drivers may be unknowingly living with a disease which impairs concentration, reaction times and affects long-term health, potentially threatening both personal safety and the safety of others.

Diabetes is both a public health challenge and a workplace safety issue directly impacting the transport sector.

Research shows truck drivers are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to the general population, yet most fleets lack structured screening or support programmes. This gap puts drivers’ well-being at risk, adds to workforce shortages through increased absenteeism and threatens the transport sector’s overall efficiency.

FORS strongly supports addressing diabetes within the transport industry. The report – by the Diabetes Safety Organisation in partnership with the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, and Driving for Better Business – outlines actionable steps including routine diabetes risk assessments, workplace training on managing the disease, integrating diabetes within health and safety policies, and creating a supportive environment for drivers to manage their health without fear of job loss.

"An estimated 38% of employees with
diabetes aged 45 to 64 exit the workforce early each year due to diabetes complications."

"People who drive
for a living are
twice as likely to
develop diabetes."

“Diabetes is a safety issue.”

Geraint Davies, FORS Concession Director, stresses the issue’s critical nature, “Our drivers are the backbone of the UK’s supply chain,” he says. “Ensuring their health means ensuring safety on our roads and operational efficiency.

"Recognising and managing diabetes is an essential part of protecting drivers and operators alike. That’s why FORS is committed to supporting initiatives that improve driver well-being and create safer working environments.”

Early diagnosis and effective management through lifestyle changes, such as active living and healthy eating, are proven to reduce the risk and severity of type 2 diabetes.

Meeting their legal duty under health and safety and equality legislation, employers can put this into practice through simple, low-cost interventions that protect drivers and prevent avoidable risks.

“We encourage accredited operators to adopt diabetes-aware strategies,” adds Davies, “aligning with our mission to promote safer, more efficient and sustainable operations. Integrating health interventions with occupational road risk management is vital to supporting drivers and safeguarding the industry’s future.

“With over 300,000 licensed HGV drivers,” he says, “the transport sector must act urgently. As this report shows, a diabetes-safe workplace isn’t just good business, it’s a vital step to protecting lives on the road.”

Hiding in Plain Sight: The UK Diabetes Crisis – A Call to Action to the Road Transport Sector, is available here: https://diabetessafety.org/hiding-in-plain-sight/

What measures do you think would be most effective in managing diabetes among drivers?

Regular health screenings
Workplace training on diabetes management
Healthy eating and active living initiatives
Supportive policies for managing health without fear of job loss