Diabetes Protocol
Published: 16 January 1997
Following the recent Diabetes Seminar attended by leading experts in this field, the Licensing Committee has decided not to amend its Guidelines relating to insulin dependent diabetes. The Committee`s overriding consideration remains the safety of all concerned.
However, having heard the medical debate at the Seminar, the Committee is prepared to provide a professional jockey, who has recently developed insulin dependent diabetes, with the opportunity to demonstrate that his medical condition would not constitute an unacceptable risk in relation to race riding.
The Jockey Club`s Chief Medical Adviser has, therefore, in conjunction with acknowledged diabetic specialists, prepared a preliminary medical protocol which is designed to enable the Committee to consider such a case.
The protocol requires the detailed monitoring of a diabetic jockey over a minimum period of five to six months and is summarised as follows:
Pre-requisite The jockey must obtain unequivocal clearance in writing from his GP and specialist that he is “fit to return to race-riding”.
Phase I Establishment of a “minimum riding weight” and the maintenance of a daily “diabetic logbook” to review overall control of diabetes (minimum of 2-3 months documentation to be sent to the Jockey Club for consideration). Initial review by Jockey Club Chief Medical Adviser.
If acceptable control is apparent, authorisation for Phase II will be given.
Phase II The jockey comes under the direct supervision of a Jockey Club nutritionist and rides out on a regular bases. He is required to visit a racecourse once a week (attendance only, not to race ride) to have his weight verified and blood/urine tests carried out by the Racecourse Medical Officer (minimum of 3 months and all costs to be borne by the Jockey Club). Further reports obtained from jockey`s GP and specialist. Independent medical examination carried out by a diabetic specialist and further review by the Jockey Club Chief Medical Adviser.
Results presented to the Licensing Committee for consideration.
The Committee, in conjunction with its Chief Medical Adviser, has a number of further complex issues to consider. These include the racecourse monitoring procedures which would be necessary if the Committee were to grant a licence, the restrictions which would be imposed on a licence, whether the protocol should be applied to those other than existing professional jockeys and whether the preliminary protocol requires amendment.
It should be noted that there are separate criteria for diabetes controlled by diet (non-insulin dependent) laid out in the Jockey Club Guidelines for Medical Fitness to Ride.
