DIABETICS in Bolton who drive for a living could be set to lose their jobs because of a new ruling. Insulin users will no longer be able to drive vehicles over 3.5 tonnes in weight. Many diabetics are known to be driving for a living and although the ban does not affect people who take tablets to control their diabetes it does affect those who use insulin.

The new EC Directive on the driving licence came into effect on January 1 this year.

Diabetics who inject insulin will not be able to drive vehicles between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes or minibuses with more than eight but less than 16 seats.

They are already banned from driving heavier vehicles.

The British Diabetic Association is currently lobbying both the British and European parliaments about the change.

A spokesman said: "We are pointing out the effect this will have on employment and freedom for those with diabetes."

The Directive allows for licences to be issued to people who use insulin in "exceptional circumstances," but the British Government has not agreed to that.

The BDA spokesman said other European countries had not issued the blanket ban.

She said: "We ask for this to be allowed in Britain and for licence applicants with diabetes to be treated individually, as they are for a car licence, which is valid for a maximum of three years and re-issued after a satisfactory medical assessment."

She added: "The BDA is not aware of any evidence whatsoever to suggest people with diabetes are less safe on the roads than other drivers."

The BDA believes the new legislation is unnecessarily restrictive.

"We would like to see the blanket ban withdrawn and for people with diabetes to be considered individually with the medical condition of each licence applicant taken into account."

She said many insulin users were "fit, healthy people."

When an insulin-user's licence comes up for renewal, some within the next few months, said the BDA, they will only be entitled to drive vehicles under 3.5 tonnes in weight.

"Because there has already been a restriction on the driving of even larger vehicles many insulin users have chosen to re-train and drive smaller vehicles in the categories now banned.

"They are now being penalised yet again and could lose their jobs."

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