Diabetes UK believes that everyone should be assessed on an individual basis and should not be subjected to blanket bans. Following extensive campaigning by Diabetes UK, the blanket bans have been lifted in the emergency services for people with Type 1 diabetes and those with Type 2 diabetes who use insulin. Recruitment and retention of people with diabetes in the police, fire and ambulance services should now be subject to individual medical assessment. There are, however, still restrictions in place by some NHS Ambulance Trusts on people who wish to be ambulance drivers. These restrictions are currently being challenged. There are also restrictions still in place for jobs involving driving Large Goods Vehicles or Passenger Carrying Vehicles. People with diabetes used to be discouraged from doing shift work but improvements in blood glucose testing and more flexible insulin regimes means that diabetes is less likely to get in the way. If you feel able to cope with the demands of shift work, working nights and changing the way you manage diabetes, give it a go.
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