my sons type 1, and has been since he was 3, hes now almost 9.

but from the JDRF (great diabetic charity) I have come across this issue before.

for anyone who doesn't know the difference between type1 and 2, a type 1 can have a hyperglycaemic episode a type 2 can;t. a type2, still has typically a working pancreas producing insulin but at a slower rate than a "normal" person. (and usually doesn't need to inject insulin)

With type1 the pancreas for some reason has given up the ghost and called it a day. hence the reason why a type1 needs to inject insulin or use an insulin pump it can happen at any age and is not a diet affected condition (the RISK of type2 CAN be bought on with poor diet and old age).

A type 2, can;t slip into a coma (having a hypo) by going sugar low....as the pancreas to an lower extent still works...a type1. is pretty serious with vision and judgment impaired by the low blood sugar levels. I've read that a type2 won't pay much extra for insurance but a type1 is typically 10% more than average. and as the poster knows you can;t get a lorry driving, police or army job.....

good luck with the type1. it can make some things a challenge. but challenges are there to be worked on. my son still plays football in a local team twice a week with blood sugar tests before/half time and at the end. with sugary drinks to keep his levels up and counterbalance the amount hes burning....

paul

(ran the london marathon in 2009 and 2010 for JDRF AND DIABETES UK.

diabetes uk, is more for type2......do a google search on JDRF....superb little charity..

GIVE JDRF A RING THEY WILL BE ABLE TO HELP YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION IS A CHARITY THATS NOT TO BIG FOR ITS BOOTS LIKE SOME....

oh a work mate who become type1 when he was 17, and was driving, always used to carry around polos and digestive biscuits in the car,,,just in case...but i'm sure your like my son, and carry a small sports bag with blood test strips and sweats etc for hypos.

And expect your insurance to be well over £1000. So factor that in for your total budget.

I'd stick to a low insurance group car until you build up a NCD (no claims discount).

Can't help on the Type 1 questions but my son's insurance went down at 20 when he changed from the 1.2 Clio he learned and passed in to a 1.9 passat diesel auto that was worth 4 times as much. It was less than lots of other smaller engined cars eg C2, Corsa, Fiesta (the boy racers choices) so we guessed as it wasn't the typical choice for a 20 year old that it may have been judged less of a risk. Good luck.

fiat panda is still a great first car my wife is diabetic and elephant cover her no problem