Driving

If your diabetes is treated by insulin, and you wish to drive, it is your legal responsibility to inform the DVLA and your insurance company.

Usually your licence will be renewed every three years providing you have no complications of diabetes that may make it unsafe for you to drive eg problems with your eyes or circulation.

Inability to recognise your own hypo warning signs also puts you and other road users at risk. You must not drive until your hypoglycaemia awareness returns.

There are restrictions on both heavy goods (over 3.5tonnes) abd passenger vehicle licenses (including taxi driving). It is important that you discuss these individually with the authority that grants those licences.

You need to carry rapid-acting carbohydrate in the car at all times. You must always test your blood glucose before driving, especially when you are making adjustments to your insulin doses during and following the DAFNE course. It is recommended that you do not commence driving unless your blood glucose level is over 5mmol/l (over 7mmol/l if you have reduced hypo awareness), Being hypoglycaemic at the wheel is classed as driving under the influence of drugs.

On long drives, stop and test blood glucose at regular intervals. You must never drive whilst having a hypo as your concentration and reactions will not be as good as usual.

If you feel a hypo:

• Pull over and stop the car.
• Remove the keys from the ignition and move into a passenger seat NB If you are sitting in the driver's seat, the police can charge you with being in control of a vehicle whilst under the influence of a drug.
• Treat the hypo.
• Do not continue to drive until the symptoms are completely resolved. Ideally, recheck your blood glucose to ensure it is above 5mmol/l.

Be aware that your brain function does not return to normal as quickly as your blood glucose, therefore you should not drive for at least 45minutes following a hypo. Make sure you are able to do simple mental tests before you start driving again, eg recalling your telephone number.

RELATED TOPICS: Hypoglycaemia, Loss of warning signs.