Objective: This scoping literature review explores the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of health care workers (HCWs). HCWs play a vital role in the global health care system, with the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrating their effectiveness and worth beyond any doubt. However, HCWs are among the most vulnerable members of the health care system because they are most susceptible to stress, exhaustion, and occupational health risks.
Method: The review was conducted in 2021 and included articles published in English in the past five years that explore diabetic HCWs' QoL and studies intended to assess the relationship between work stress and DM. In total, 27 relevant articles were found that satisfied the inclusion criteria and were critically and thematically analyzed.
Results: Most DM studies have focused on the clinical management of patients, but researchers have paid little attention to the high-risk group of HCWs with diabetes. In addition to fulfilling their job mandate, HCWs are burdened with various sociological stressors that affect their QoL.
Conclusion: This literature review suggests DM has a significant impact on QoL in the work-life context. However, there is limited evidence to demonstrate the impact of DM on the QoL of HCWs. Thus, further research is needed in this area to improve the provision of integrated care.
Keywords: diabetes and work; diabetes mellitus; diabetic employee; diabetic health care worker; health care workers; quality of life.