The advice I have is based on my own experience of racing with type 1 Diabetes. Thankfully type 1's can now get a racing licence which wasn't the case when the RAC (then MSA) refused me a license around 1982 after I had been racing successfully for 8 years. Your right about ringing the MSA and they will tell you exactly what to do. Not declaring you have diabetes is simply not an option.
I don't know how long you have had diabetes but if it is quite recent (past year) remember there is what's called the honeymoon period when your own body might still be producing some insulin. Your insulin requirements will invariably increase as the honeymoon period ends.
On race day it is essential that you eat enough to avoid the risk of your sugar level being too low. On the other hand you should also avoid eating too much and pushing your sugar levels up too high(above 10). If I had my time again I would say my biggest mistake was running my sugars too high and though this is not as risky as too low, in an unperceptable way it does impair your judgement, vision and reaction time. I am talking margins here so non diabetics don't need to get worried but it could make a couple of tenths difference.
When I raced the insulins available where no where near as good as today plus blood testing meters can tell you exactly what your sugars are doing so test regularly on race day and you will probably be the safest guy on the track.
If you are not on what's called a Basal/Bolus regime I would talk to your doctor. Preferably you should ask your GP to refer you to a hospital diabetic clinic as the doctors their specialise in Diabetes and will ensure you are on the best insulins (not just the ones your GP knows about) and insist on seeing the clinic's consultant, not the registrars although theses are still preferable to a GP! I can't emphasise this enough and it's good advice for any one with diabetes. It's Government policy to push Diabetes care out to GP's to save money and I couldn't print what the Hospital speacilists think of the level of diabetic knowledge and care most GP's provide!
The Basal/Bolus regime means taking multiple insulin injections per day (5-6) and is usually two types of insulin. The Basal is a long acting back ground one which you take once/twice a day. Then you take a short acting insulin (the Bolus)before each meal during the day. So this regime effectively mirrors a normal functioning body and significantly reduces the risk of low blood sugars.
For me the best insulins at the moment are Humalog (Quick Acting) and Glargine/Lantus which is long acting. Hospitals seem to prefer giving NovaRapid Insulin over Humalog and will say they are identical but in my experience they're not. But most people get on fine with NovaRapid. Avoid the Mixtard insulins unless you really can't get on with the Basal/Bolus regime. But this is only my opinion and ultimately take your doctors advice and get the best insulin for you.
I hope the above is of use to you. Insurance statistics show that people with diabetes have less road accidents than non diabetes hence we are no longer penalised with higher insurance premiums.
Once you have your license keep on top of your long term HBA1c control and just treat it as a private/non issue as far as Karting is concerned. People with diabetes who race should be the least of the MSA's concerns.
Good luck to all racers with diabetes. You can still be champions!
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karting with diabetes by 'Miffy' (30 Nov 2008 @ 19:31)
