Introduction:

Diabetes mellitus is a public health issue affecting an increasing number of workers, representing a disease exacerbated by work with a high social, economic, and personal cost. The nature of the work performed, coupled with occupational risks in a hospital setting, significantly contribute to the disease's progression. This study aims to address the impact of this disease on work and the role of Occupational Health in the prevention of exposure to occupational risk factors in the hospital environment, which can contribute to the metabolic imbalance of type I diabetes mellitus.

Methodology:

The methodology included search in PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases, using keywords such as "diabetes mellitus, occupational medicine, risk factors and occupational health”. Filters were applied, considering publications from 2010 to 2024, totaling 463 works. Exclusion criteria focused on non-diabetes-related diseases, exclusive focus on Type II, and non-occupational approaches. Articles on diabetes and occupational health and safety published in Revista Portuguesa de Saúde Ocupacional were also considered, in a total of five studies. Sources also included Direção Geral de Saúde Clinical Guidance, a national epidemiological study, and a technical manual on workplace diabetes, totaling 30 references in the discussion.

Results:

The authors report two cases of healthcare professionals from a hospital unit, both diagnosed with Type I Diabetes at the age of five. Case 1: A 35-year-old healthcare assistant with a history of depressive syndrome and recent diabetic retinopathy diagnosis. Case 2: A 57-year-old nurse with diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, undergoing treatment for osteomyelitis of the right big toe, without cardiovascular changes. In both they work or have worked in shifts, including night shifts, engaging in physically demanding tasks.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Diabetes is a chronic disease requiring continuous medical care and patient education, alongside support in preventing acute complications and reducing the risk of chronic complications. The incidence of new Type I Dm cases is higher between 12-14 years. During the transition to adulthood and entry into the job market, patients face disease stigma, treatment management challenges, and psychosocial workplace-related issues. Implementing preventive measures and monitoring these workers should help reduce work absenteeism, productivity loss, and income loss for the worker.

        · resumen en Portugués     · texto en Portugués     · Portugués ( pdf )