Policy gaps in type 1 diabetes: A UK audit of National Governing Bodies

People with type 1 diabetes should be able to take part in sport safely and confidently, but the policies that are meant to support them are often missing or very limited across UK sports organisations.

Why this work is important

Type 1 diabetes is common in the UK, including in children and young people, and staying active is a key part of managing the condition and protecting long‑term health. Sport can boost fitness, confidence and social connection, yet many people with diabetes do less physical activity than their peers, partly because they worry about safety and do not feel properly supported. National Governing Bodies (NGBs) set the rules and standards for each sport, so their policies are crucial for making sure people with long‑term health conditions are welcomed, safe and treated fairly.

What we did

We carried out a structured review (“audit”) of all recognised UK sport NGBs (185 in total) to see whether they had policies or guidance for participants with type 1 diabetes. We searched each NGB’s public website for any mention of diabetes, asthma, epilepsy or allergies, and then contacted organisations directly to ask if they had additional, non‑published documents. We recorded how many NGBs had policies, what conditions were covered, and how much practical advice they offered about inclusion and safety.

What we found

Out of 185 NGBs, only 20 (11%) mentioned diabetes anywhere in their policies or web pages, and just 4 (around 2%) had a dedicated policy specifically for people with diabetes. Most other mentions were brief notes buried in safeguarding, risk, event or equality documents, and often provided little or no practical guidance for coaches or participants. Provision for asthma, epilepsy and allergies was also limited, with very few dedicated policies and only short references scattered across general documents.

What this means

Our findings show a clear policy gap: most UK sports do not currently provide clear, accessible guidance on how to safely include people with type 1 diabetes and other common long‑term conditions. This risks leaving athletes, parents and coaches without the information they need, and may contribute to unnecessary barriers, stigma and avoidable safety concerns. We recommend developing a national diabetes sport policy, alongside similar policies for asthma, epilepsy and allergies, that NGBs can adapt for their sport so that safe, inclusive participation becomes the norm rather than the exception.