With extensive experience building and operating museum exhibits, Ian Oldaker implements initiatives to foster customer satisfaction and improve brand representation. His portfolio includes overseeing the operations department at the September 11 Memorial and Museum, and managing visitor experiences at the espionage history museum Spyscape. Alongside his work in interactive education, Ian Oldaker is interested in research about type 1 diabetes, and day-to-day management of the condition.
The primary challenge with managing diabetes in a workplace involves making time and energy to maintain lifestyle needs while meeting job requirements. While this varies depending on the work environment, it is important to coordinate with colleagues and managers regarding your diet and movement schedules, and to inform them of symptoms and how to deal with emergencies involving low or high blood sugar. Keeping your team in the loop about changing accommodations is the first step in making sure that your office-based strategies work smoothly.
Since managing diabetes with or without insulin requires managing blood sugar, it is crucial to not skip meals. Make meals ahead to bring to work; if your workplace has a kitchen, it may help to keep some frozen lunches or snacks for the days you may forget or be too busy. High fiber, slow-digestion snacks are good for tasks that require travelling and movement, so that you ensure a steady release of blood sugar even while on the go.
If possible, incorporate exercise into your schedule, in between assignments. Tasks that require manual labor or walking, such as tour guides or construction workers, may not need extra exercise over the workday. However, for desk-bound or limited movement tasks, take time out to stretch, walk, or meditate. This helps to lower blood glucose by burning energy, controlling blood pressure, and keeping stress in check. Lastly, always keep your glucometer at hand and take regular checks, especially if you feel dizzy or tired.
