Sir, - On behalf of the Irish Diabetic Association, I would like to comment on the report about people with disabilities not being permitted to enter the medical profession (September 10th). Diabetes is not a disability but a condition, and people with diabetes in this country are not prepared to obtain any of the finances available to people with disabilities.
I know of no studies which have ever suggested that "severe diabetics can't make very good judgements when they're within an hour of lunch." Indeed, people with diabetes have reached the highest offices in all major professions and, although not relevant to this discussion, they have also been successful at the top of many sports.
I would, of course, acknowledge that people with diabetes may sometimes become disabled due to complications of diabetes, but this is quite a different matter. All recent studies have shown that with the improved care now available, these complications can be prevented. Yours, etc.,
MD, FRCP, FRCPI, FACP,
Chairman,
The Irish Diabetic Association,
76 Lower Gardiner Street,
Dublin 1.