5 May 2025

The MMD Group is delighted to welcome Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Miriam Lexmann (EPP, Slovakia) as a new member. MEP Lexmann serves as a Questor of the European Parliament and is also a member of the Parliament’s Bureau, Committee on International Trade (INTA), Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) and the Delegation for relations with the People’s Republic of China (D-CN). She also serves as a substitute member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and the Delegation for relations with the United States (D-US).

As a member of the EMPL Committee, one of MEP Lexmann’s key priorities is to address social and employment inequalities, ensuring that all citizens—regardless of their gender, location, socio-economic conditions or health status—have equal and fair access to the job market. This is particularly relevant when it comes to employment opportunities for people living with diabetes (PwD), who continue to face outdated forms of discrimination that prevent them from accessing certain types of jobs.

In some countries, for example, PwD are banned from certain professions such as that of commercial pilot. This stems from concerns linked to PwD developing hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) resulting from insulin- or sulphonylureas-based treatments. Low blood glucose symptoms may include, amongst others, shakiness, blurred vision, tiredness and inability to concentrate. Hypoglycaemia is a potentially fatal complication, if not managed timely.

However, recent advances in diabetes management such as the development of continuous glucose monitoring devices (CGMs) have significantly improved PwD’s ability to become aware, and lower their risk, of hypoglycaemic events. While many countries have updated their regulatory frameworks to reflect these advancements, others continue to impose restrictions.

As a member of the MMD Group, MEP Lexmann is dedicated to addressing the persistent and outdated forms of discrimination still faced by persons with disabilities. She will work towards the review and harmonisation of employment policies to ensure equal rights for all. Addressing inequalities is essential to improving the quality of life of people living with diabetes.

We look forward to working with MEP Lexmann to help remove these barriers and promote greater equity for people living with diabetes.