I don't qualify for any exemptions, and never have done, since I was a minor.
I think some of this is about data, and if lifelong exemptions are issued, they would have no idea when certificates should be cancelled, which could skew the data reported.
Current messaging from the NHS still states that "diabetes is a life-long, progressive disease", which we now better appreciate is not necessarily the case for T2 at least. There would be many caveats to the awarding of exemption certificates, with the need to differentiate between types and potentially even sub-types. We already see many T2s who start on Metformin (and therefore qualify for an exemption) later go on to be able to cease their pharmaceutical support, and therefore lose their exempted status at the renewal point. As 90% of diabetes patients are T2, there would still be a need to validate for 90% of those registered as diabetic. (OK, I know not all 90% are on medication, but you get the drift)
So, I'm not sure I see the application system becoming more administratively heavy for a relatively small proportion of claimants who would or could be lifelong happening.
Of course, this could be a completely wrong conclusion, but it's just a take from the administrative side of things.
In case this sounds like sour grapes because I don't qualify; it's not. I am eternally grateful to be able to live a vibrant and healthy life without the need for any medication whatsoever. When I click over the big 6-0, I guess I'll qualify just on chronology. Until then, it's a goal to continue to be disqualified from exemptions.
