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Truely private & confidential GP consultation

J

jago25_98

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I think I might be pre-diabetic.

I'm scared to go to the doctor though to confirm it because if I am, then I expect to be out of a job and destitute. Being sacked isn't really fully justified, it's more a case of clients I would expect to choose other personnel for subcontracting. That's not just something for this country but for other countries too. I'd much rather keep it out of the record books and tattoo it on my chest.

I think I will end up using a private service in another country. However, if I want to get a consultation and testing done where do I go, who do I speak to?
 
I am worried and confused at the same time. Are you actually in the UK? Why would you be sacked if you had a diagnosis of diabetes or pre-diabetes? It isn't a sackable situation as it's confidential and your employer doesn't need to know..
 
Hi. Note that in the UK having diabetes is considered a registered disability hence is covered by the Disability Discrimination Act. Note that in the UK many pharmacists including Lloyds will do diabetes blood tests with a meter to check typical sugar levels
 
Thanks. Pharmacy it will be for the moment. So, what do I do? Eat some sugar and watch it go too high?

Subcontractors I don't think get employee rights. I have to pass a medical to be allowed to work at sea. Not sure if diabetic counts but I expect it does as being overweight does.
 
I wouldn't worry about getting your medical.

I assume you are talking about a Merchant Navy ENG1 or an Offshore Medical?

Type 2 diabetes controlled by diet and/or Metaformin will not prevent you getting either medical.

My Type 2 diabetes was diagnosed while getting my Medical, once I had shown that I could control my blood glucose levels, with weight loss and diet there was no problem getting the medical for the full 2 years. The doctor still issued the medical for 1 year initially.

The text below is from the MCA website, diabetes is only a problem if you require insulin to control it.

5.3 It should be noted that a seafarer medical certificate becomes invalid if the seafarer develops any of the conditions listed below or a disability affecting fitness to work; this includes mental as well as physical conditions. Anew ENG 1 or ML5 certificate will need to be obtained on recovery.

Epileptic seizures or sudden disturbances of the state of consciousness
Coronary thrombosis or heart surgery
Problems with heart rhythm or disease of the heart or arteries
Blood pressure not well controlled by drugs
Insulin-dependent diabetes
Click to expand...

Link here http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga07-ho...s/mcga-mnotice.htm?textobjid=7148761B7F19B427

Personally I do not tell anyone I have T2 diabetes, when I go offshore. I do not take any medicine and it does not have any impact on my day to day work. In fact I am fitter now and work better than I did before being diagnosed as I weigh 3 stone less and sleep like a baby!

The best thing you can do is go and see your GP and get things sorted out. Personally I would recommend buying a meter, testing and following the low carb advice on here.

Just to highlight how it is easy to manage, I currently typing this whilst working offshore!
 
On another point, nothing is noted on my Offshore Medical certificate. I do not see any real need to tell your employer if you don't want to.
If you have an issue that does not put yourself or anyone else at risk why would you need to?
 
Jago - if you have any more questions, just ask or you can PM me through my profile.

I know a fair bit about Offshore/MN certification and if I can't answer I will know where to look.
 
Good morning,

Would anyone know about type 1 diabetes at sea? I have been diagnosed 3 months ago, my hbA1c is great now but I work as a chef on a private yacht with my partner and I am struggling to find a doctor who wants to pass me. They are reading the MCA doctor manual to me which states that I would be restricted to UK near coastal waters. We could deal with near coastal waters in general, but the UK specification would leave me without a livelyhood since we would normally do the Med and Caribbean. Currently trying to find a way as fast as possible so I can keep working. Please help!
 
ellabrique said:
Good morning,

Would anyone know about type 1 diabetes at sea? I have been diagnosed 3 months ago, my hbA1c is great now but I work as a chef on a private yacht with my partner and I am struggling to find a doctor who wants to pass me. They are reading the MCA doctor manual to me which states that I would be restricted to UK near coastal waters. We could deal with near coastal waters in general, but the UK specification would leave me without a livelyhood since we would normally do the Med and Caribbean. Currently trying to find a way as fast as possible so I can keep working. Please help!
Click to expand...

You migh want to start your own thread as you appear to be replying to a thread that's over 5 years old.
 
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