Article Summary The impact of diabetes on employment and work productivity. Tunceli K, Bradley C, Nerenz D, Williams LK, Pladevall M, Lafata JE. Diabetes Care. 2005;28:2662-2667. Objective: To examine, over time, the effect of diabetes on labor market outcomes. Methods: Secondary data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were utilized. Of 7055 employed respondents, 490 reported having diabetes in wave 1 (people aged 51-61 years in 1992 and their spouses). The probability of working in wave 2 (1994) was estimated. Individuals who responded “yes” to the question, “Has a doctor ever told you that you have diabetes or high blood glucose?” comprised the study group with diabetes. Results: After 2 years, during wave 2, 86% of individuals without diabetes and 78% of those with diabetes were employed. Two statistical models were used. Model one controlled for sociodemographic characteristics and occupation, while the second model controlled for body mass index (BMI) and the number of chronic health conditions. In both models, the effect of diabetes on the probability of work was negative. The probability of working was 4.4 and 7.1 percentage points less for women and men with diabetes, respectively, compared with controls. Diabetes was also a predictor of work limitations and work-loss days, suggesting that diabetes may reduce workplace performance. Women with diabetes had 2 more work-loss days per year than women without diabetes. Conclusions: These results offer evidence that diabetes affects patients and employers, contributing to absenteeism and health-related work limitations.