- The House of Commons has held a first debate on proposals to strengthen guidance for athletes with diabetes
- Campaigner Chris Bright raised the issue after a review found only four of 184 national governing bodies had diabetes policies
- The bill faces several more stages and aims to make physical activity more accessible and safer for children and adults with diabetes
A former non league footballer from Redditch, Chris Bright, has helped bring diabetes in sport into the spotlight.
He lives with type 1 diabetes and asked his MP to raise concerns that many clubs and governing bodies have policies for other long term conditions but no clear guidance around diabetes.
A review that contacted national governing bodies across the UK found that only a small number had a published policy or guideline.
That finding helped prompt MPs to hold an initial debate in the House of Commons.
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The goal of the proposed bill is simple. People with diabetes should be able to take part in sport safely and confidently. That means clubs schools and national bodies should have basic standards in place.
In practice, sensible measures make a big difference. Coaches should understand how to spot low blood sugar, what to do, and when a player is safe to return. Players should be allowed to check glucose at the side of the pitch, sip a carbohydrate drink when needed, and store insulin or a pump safely. Staff should know how to use emergency glucagon.
Consent forms and risk assessments should reflect everyday diabetes management, not block participation.
Parents of children with type 1 diabetes often describe the emotional side of sport. A child wants to run on and join friends while an adult juggles pre match glucose checks, sensor alarms, and carbohydrate planning. Clubs that learn the basics can turn that tension into a routine that feels normal.
Many adjustments cost nothing and protect performance as well as health.
Clear permission for wearable tech, a box of quick acting glucose in the kit bag, a named adult who knows the emergency plan, and time to check levels at half time add up to a safer, happier experience.
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The debate was an early step in the parliamentary process.
For any bill to become law in the UK it must go through several Commons stages, including a second reading, committee work, a report stage, and a third reading, then repeat the journey in the Lords before it can receive Royal Assent.
