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Railways and type 1 diabetes

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
B

bongo

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Do you have any stories/issues relating to working on the railway with type 1 diabetes?
It seems to be a bastion of slowness with regard to type 1
.
Have you had any problems - lets share and see if my experiences are repeated!
 
Hi Bongo, welcome to the forum.....

Yes, there was quite a discussion a month or so ago, you could look for it using the search function at the top right of the page..... Appears that certain railway workers have had a tough time with their employers but at lest a couple have had a positive result in the end.
 
I work for London underground up until recently if you was type 1 or type 2 on insulin, you would not be allowed to drive a train, but that rule has now changed. But other jobs are not restricted.
 
I'd like to know other peoples experiences - I had a medical today with bupa for my pts medical. I caught site of a bupa document that said "type one diabetics will have to be accompanied on network rail infrastucture!" I pointed out that I thought that was against the employment act! (diagnosing the condition not the person. The document gave the doctor no other interpretation.
 
Weloxme bongo - do you have one? A bongo that is, we do and we love it 🙂
 
bongo said:
I'd like to know other peoples experiences - I had a medical today with bupa for my pts medical. I caught site of a bupa document that said "type one diabetics will have to be accompanied on network rail infrastucture!" I pointed out that I thought that was against the employment act! (diagnosing the condition not the person. The document gave the doctor no other interpretation.
Click to expand...
You might find this thread interesting, particularly some of the more recent posts 🙂

https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/train-driving-with-type-1-diabetes.3242/
 
yes I read that, unfortunatly that is by far the exception, the railway industry is particularly poor at change
 
I was removed from all safety critical duties when first diagnosed with type 2. I had to take in readings to show i had brought it under control before having the license returned - But overall, I felt the railway treatment ok in my instance, just time consuming. There is a note on my file that I should not work alone on an overnight shift, although I don't see the relevance vs a solo day shift? (Not an issue anyhow, as we very rarely work nights alone anyhow).
I am aware this discussion is about type 1, but thought my recent experiences might help.
 
Thanks Mark. It was interesting to read your contribution. I would assume that the night shift issue is because of the perceived extra risk of hypos at night. I work nights and work hard to keep my readings under control. Unfortunately no matter how good your control is with type 1 diabetes you automatically receive a red triangle restriction on your pts card. Indeed I have seen Bupa internal documents say that under all circumstances type 1 diabetics must be accompanied trackside. Something that restricts me in my role. Even though I have never had a hypo in 15 years and am considered to have excellent control. The rules are about to be changed though and hopefully by March will be more in line with DVLA rules. (presumably hgv ish?) I have questioned this ruling especially with regard to the recent news about the LUL driver
 
bongo said:
I'd like to know other peoples experiences - I had a medical today with bupa for my pts medical. I caught site of a bupa document that said "type one diabetics will have to be accompanied on network rail infrastucture!" I pointed out that I thought that was against the employment act! (diagnosing the condition not the person. The document gave the doctor no other interpretation.
Click to expand...
I realise I'm replying to an old post, my son ( and I ) work on the track. He has been Type 1 from the age of 2, as his dad and knowing the hurdles he may face, I put a lot of effort into smoothing his route into track work. If you search " Network Rail - Zedgeezer" on this site you may see the bumpy road he faced.
 
That member hasn’t visited the forum for 5 years now @Zedgeezer - so they are unlikely to see your reply I’m afraid.
 
Status
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