A new report has raised alarm over a growing diabetes risk among commercial drivers, warning of serious implications for road safety and supply chain stability. Titled Hiding in Plain Sight: The UK Diabetes Crisis, the report is published by the Diabetes Safety Organisation in collaboration with PACTS and Driving for Better Business. It reveals thousands of drivers may unknowingly live with Type 2 diabetes – a condition that can impair reaction time, judgement and long-term health.
The report stresses the impact of unmanaged diabetes, especially as the industry faces driver shortages and high absenteeism. Jamie Hassall of PACTS labelled it a workplace safety risk, while Kate Walker from the Diabetes Safety Organisation called for urgent national action.
Key recommendations include mandatory diabetes risk assessments, improved driver education, integration of diabetes into safety policies and a cross-government diabetes safety strategy.
The report is backed by RHA, FORS and employers like Evri. Read it here.