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DRIVING AND DIABETES

DRIVING AND DIABETES. Key points. Since November 2011 changes, due to an EC directive, have led to stricter rules for drivers of cars and motorcycles (Group 1 vehicles) for people treated with insulin when they apply or reapply for licences

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DRIVING AND DIABETES

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  1. DRIVING AND DIABETES

  2. Key points • Since November 2011 changes, due to an EC directive, have led to stricter rules for drivers of cars and motorcycles (Group 1 vehicles) for people treated with insulin when they apply or reapply for licences • In contrast, the ban on people treated with insulin from driving lorries and passenger carrying vehicles (Group 2 vehicles) has been lifted

  3. What are the new rules for drivers with diabetes?

  4. What do drivers with diabetes have to report? There are no restrictions for people who are on medications that do not cause hypoglycaemia. People must inform the DVLA: • If they use insulin or start to use insulin when they already have a licence • If their condition changes; for example, if they develop complications which can affect their ability to drive

  5. What are the new rules relating to hypos? • People will not be issued licences – or will have them revoked (withheld) if they have recurrent severe hypoglycaemia • This is defined as more than one episode of hypoglycaemia during a period of 12 months that required assistance from another person

  6. Awareness of hypoglycemia • People will also not be issued licences – or will have them revoked (withheld) if they have lack of awareness of hypoglycaemia • This is defined by the DVLA (for car drivers) as total lack of awareness – meaning you do not get any warning symptoms of the onset of hypoglycaemia

  7. Testing blood glucose for driving • The legislation passed in November 2011 also states that drivers with diabetes treated with insulin have to undertake “appropriate blood glucose monitoring” • People are now asked to sign a declaration on the application form to apply for, or renew, a licence to say that they understand the need to test their blood glucose at times relevant to driving.

  8. Getting a revoked licence back • If someone feels that the decision is wrong they can go back to DVLA medical division – the person who sent the letter - and ask them to reconsider. • If relevant, medical evidence - or a letter from the doctor - would be useful.

  9. Getting a revoked licence back • As soon as you have not had more than one episode of severe hypoglycaemia – that is 12 months after the last but one episode – you can reapply for your licence – you may only get a one year licence at this point • If someone loses their licence due total lack of awareness of hypoglycaemia they can reapply as soon as they have regained their awareness

  10. WHAT is diabetes uk doing about this?

  11. Diabetes UK’s position • Diabetes UK has always campaigned to ensure people with diabetes are assessed fairly for their fitness to drive • We believe everyone with diabetes should be able to drive if they can demonstrate their medical fitness – we oppose blanket bans • We maintain that people with diabetes pose no greater risk than other drivers if they take all necessary precautions

  12. Highlighting concerns • Diabetes UK has concerns about the way that these new standards are being implemented and we have raised these with the DVLA • Diabetes UK is also concerned about the impact that the changes are having on the relationship between people with diabetes and their health care professionals and that people will not report severe hypoglycaemic events or reduced awareness of hypoglycaemia (both of which can often be addressed with medical advice)

  13. Working with the DVLA • Diabetes UK has worked with the DVLA to ensure that the standards are communicated clearly so that that people are not needlessly having licences revoked or experiencing delays in getting their licences re-issued.  • We have worked with the DVLA to draft a new form and guidance for people completing it • We have involved people with diabetes in this work

  14. What has changed on the form? • Many changes agreed last year before the form was finalised in May 2012. For example: • The form now clearly states what is meant by severe hypoglycaemia (and the guidance emphasises this) • The declaration that people are asked to sign has been modified

  15. What has changed – cont. . . • The reference to other named clinics attending has been removed – people with diabetes objected to this as they felt it was discriminatory and insensitive • The contact (and other) details requested on the form better reflect what is actually required to process the application and the reality of who can provide information about someone’s diabetes management (Type 1 and 2)

  16. Working with the DVLA • We are continuing to work with the DVLA on proposals to make the application process fairer and less time consuming for people with diabetes – watch this space! • We are also working with the DVLA to monitor the impact of the changes on people with diabetes and road safety

  17. Work in Europe • Diabetes UK are working in the UK and Europe to monitor the impact of the changes on drivers with diabetes • We are working with the International Diabetes Federation (Europe) to try and get a review of the EU Directive

  18. Further information • Diabetes UK website: http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Living_with_diabetes/Driving/ • http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Professionals/News-updates-and-alerts/Updates/Driving-and-the-new-medical-standards-for-people-with-diabetes/

  19. Help and advice Diabetes UK Careline: • Telephone 0845 120 2960 (operates a translation service) or call 020 7424 1000 and ask to be transferred to Careline. Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. • Textphone 020 7424 1031 (for people hard of hearing or deaf) • Email careline@diabetes.org.uk

  20. ANY QUESTIONS?

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