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The Labour Market and Health Effects of a Diabetes Warning: Evidence of Gender and Age Differences from the Lifelines Cohort Study

Author

Listed:
  • Annibali, Claudio
  • Bergemann, Annette
  • Alessie, Rob

Abstract

Health screenings are potentially powerful tools to mitigate adverse health and labour outcomes. We conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the labour market and health effects of a diabetes warning in a country that has not introduced such a screening system. Using data from over 160, 000 participants in Lifelines, a Dutch cohort study, and a multidimensional regression discontinuity design, we estimate the short- and long-run impacts of a diabetes risk warning. Individuals under 40 increase their employment rate following a warning, with effects that are especially pronounced and persistent for women. These employment gains are accompanied by improvements in self-reported health among women and reduced smoking among men. Among older individuals, the responses are more heterogeneous: Women are more likely to retire and reduce alcohol consumption, while men are less likely to receive disability benefits and more likely to visit their general practitioner in the short term. Our findings provide novel evidence that health information can influence labour market outcomes through gender- and age-specific behavioural adjustments.

Suggested Citation

  • Annibali, Claudio & Bergemann, Annette & Alessie, Rob, 2026. "The Labour Market and Health Effects of a Diabetes Warning: Evidence of Gender and Age Differences from the Lifelines Cohort Study," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1799, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:glodps:1799
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General

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