In the interest of road safety you must be sure at all times you can safely control a motor vehicle.
Do not drive
- if you have just started to take insulin and your diabetes is not yet properly controlled – your doctor or diabetes specialist nurse will be able to give you more advice on this
- if you have difficulty in recognising the early symptoms of hypoglycaemia
- if your blood sugar is less than 4.0mmol/1 or you feel hypoglycaemic
- if you have any problems with your eyesight that cannot be corrected by glasses
- if you have numbness or weakness in your limbs caused by neuropathy (nerve damage) (though you may be able overcome this by driving an adapted vehicle or one with automatic transmission).
You should
- avoid long or stressful journeys if you are tired
- test your blood glucose level before driving and regularly during a long drive – preferably every two hours – the DVLA advise that if your blood glucose is 5.0mmol/1 or less, have a snack
- consult your doctor or diabetes specialist nurse if you have any worries on any of these points
- inform the DVLA of your diabetes if you are treated with insulin or the DVA (in Northern Ireland) if you are treated with any diabetes medication
- inform the DVLA/DVA if you have any problems associated with your diabetes.
If you are having difficulties, it is a good idea to
- keep copies of all correspondence
- keep in touch with your doctor, especially when they are communicating with the DVLA or DVA
- make sure that any episodes of severe hypoglycaemia are recorded with the date and circumstances of the event
- call Diabetes UK Careline for information and support.
Diabetes UK can give you general advice on driving and diabetes but any difficulties should first be discussed with your doctor or diabetes specialist nurse.