biking and diabetes
 

Hi you lot. I have just recently been diagnosed with diabetes type 1 - treated with insulin. I know that legally I can ride although my licence will be for limited period only and I will have to have a health check every 3 years. However I am bit “uneasy” about riding a bike. Does anyone know someone with diabetes who rides a bike? How do they feel about it? Does it cause any problems? Any advice would be most appreciated.

How much is your insurance?

Believe it or not. It does not effect your insurance at all. Some companies try it on but there is not proof that diabetes makes me worse rider.

BTW the reason I am asking is that I want to start biking now. (after 10 years off)

Interesting about the insurance... Ms Rat is an insulin dependent diabetic... it's an arm+leg for her Mondeo!
I'd say go ahead, just keep a Kit-Kat under the seat, and keep an eye on that blood sugar!


RR

Rictus & Samurai both have this condition

It certainly doesn't seem to stop Mark doing a million miles a year :D

doesn't affect insurance? I'll ask on that one.

Get on your motorcycle, pal!

Do not quote me anywhere regarding the insurance. However my diabetes consultant (will supply details if you want) mentioned before that I should kick off it they start charging me more. Apparently there has been some research into it and statistically diabetic drivers are less likely to have a crash (apparently are more aware about their limitations). My car insurance remains the same for now as far as I know. However it depends on individual cases I believe, because if you have a history of hypos (black outs due to low sugar level) I am sure they have a case to top up your premium.

My father is a diabetic doesn't stop him, nps it seems.

Most insurers do not load for medical conditions although some do, we previously used to but no longer.

I'm a diabetic on insulin, I have been for twenty tears. I was told by my insurance company that they do not discriminate and have not charged me any differently to a non diabetic (do an online insurance quotation to check with/without it as a factor)
Northwind is also diabetic which goes to show that you will still be able to a)crash & b) fix things with diabetes :lol:

I have PM'd you more info.

Drew

it must be upsetting ;)

Should make no difference to your abilities as a rider or driver.I'm sure it is something you need to come to terms with and learn to deal with but beyond that get on and live a completely normal life.Anyone who tries to restict your activities would do well to read the disability discrimination act,as they need to be on very firm ground,which they won't be in this case.

I've had it for four years and it's not caused me any harm. Insurance has not been a problem either. Holiday insurance is a pain in the **** though!!!

I got diagnosed with type 1 about 2 1/2 years ago. I only had one insurance company try to load the premium because of the condition (can't remember who it was). When I informed them they are not allowed to do this the phone went quite, she took my details and promised to phone me back after looking into it. She duly came back to me and admitted she had made a mistake and reduced the quote. I don't think they think it's a problem as long as the DVLA have been informed. As for riding the bike GET OUT THERE, as long as your sensible after a while you get used to your levels and I use my bike every day. I have only ever been caught out once and thats because I was ill. All I did was stop off at a garage and get a sugary drink and as I was on my way home anyway all was OK. I now carry a couple of glucose tablets with me, either in my pocket on rucksack. And I also make sure i've got my mobile and some money with me on longer rides.

Ride safe :wink:

Years ago...insurance companies used to load insurance for diabetics...but now they can't...as long as they and the DVLA know...thanks to 'Human Rights'

Human Rights....Not just for the bad guys you know :wink:

my wifes been diabetic for 20 years, no loading of insurance. she knows if she has any sort of episode coming up cos she gets a tingle in her lip! i think you just have to learn about your condition, and you will be fine riding your bike.

Interesting about the insurance situation, Ms Rat sorts herself out with insurance, so I've no idea of details... just that it's expensive! I guess she needs to shop around, or maybe get a better idea of what insurance costs these days!
I'll pass on the info.
Thanks!


RR

Lucky her. I am still coming to terms with it and dont know what my "give away" signs will be. I hope I will get some. One thing is for sure I could do without it!

You will learn what the signals are. Tingling around the mouth is one of them, double vision is another. You will find it hard to concentrate too, which others will notice as you getting 'a bit vague' :lol: The best thing you can do to control your diabetes is see a dietitian at the diabetic clinic to get your eating habits right and get a lot of exercise (doctors recommend at least an hour a day)

Oh, and keep a positive mental attitude 8)

Like Drew says, I'm insulin dependant, have been since I was 7. It doesn't have to affect you in the slightest, as long as you're not an idiot. It's already been covered, but just to back it up, it's illegal to weight motor insurance for it.

One thing I'd say though... If you're asymptomatic- ie, you don't know when you're hypo- or if you have unreliable symptoms, get an extra glucose meter and keep it in the bike. Do a million tests, every time you ride if need be. If you're ever in a crash, you want to be able to proev beyond doubt that you weren't hypo- and for that matter, you don't ever want to ride when you are. I've got strong and reliable symptoms, so it's not a big concern for me, but you have to watch your back.

Don't let it restrict you though.It's one of those conditions where it's far easier to put the work in and run it well than it is to bury your head in the sand or to let it control you.