National Governing Bodies shape how safe and inclusive sport is for people with type 1 diabetes. This study audited UK sports organisations to see whether they had clear policies to support people with type 1 diabetes and compared this with policies for other chronic health conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, and allergies.

Why this study was done

Physical activity is important for health and diabetes management, but many people with type 1 diabetes face barriers in sport, including stigma, safety concerns, and poor understanding among coaches and organisers. National Governing Bodies have an important role in setting standards and creating inclusive environments, yet little was known about whether they had clear and accessible policies in place.

This study aimed to assess how often these policies exist, where guidance appears, and whether it offers meaningful practical support.

How the study was carried out

The study used a systematic policy audit of UK sport National Governing Bodies. Researchers reviewed publicly available documents on NGB websites and contacted organisations directly to check whether relevant policies existed for type 1 diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and allergies.

In total, 185 National Governing Bodies were identified, and policy content was reviewed to examine inclusion, safety, and practical guidance for participation in sport.

What we found

The audit found major policy gaps. Out of 185 National Governing Bodies, only 20, or 11%, mentioned diabetes anywhere in their website or policy documents, and only four, or 2.2%, had a dedicated diabetes policy.

Most diabetes-related information appeared only as brief mentions inside broader safeguarding, equality, event, or risk documents rather than in clear standalone guidance. The study also found similar gaps for other chronic health conditions: 14 NGBs mentioned asthma, 12 mentioned epilepsy, and only four mentioned allergies.

Even where diabetes was mentioned, guidance was often limited. Policies tended to focus on medical clearance, general risk awareness, or asking coaches to be alert, but they rarely provided detailed, practical advice for supporting participants with type 1 diabetes in real sporting settings. The paper concludes that this leaves many organisations without clear guidance and may contribute to inconsistent support, reduced inclusion, and avoidable barriers to participation.

Why it matters

These findings show that policy is an important but often overlooked part of improving physical activity support for people with type 1 diabetes. Without visible, practical, and condition-specific policies, coaches, organisers, and clubs may lack the confidence and clarity needed to support safe and inclusive participation.

For the wider ISPA-T1D programme, this study highlights the need for national policy templates, stronger advocacy, clearer visibility of guidance, and better alignment between sport governance and the real needs of people living with type 1 diabetes.