Driving Licence Form Revamp For People With Diabetes
Driving licence application forms for people with diabetes are to be rewritten following an intervention from David Cameron and complaints that EU rules on their fitness to drive are both confusing and being too harshly interpreted by UK authorities. Drivers who need insulin to manage their condition are failing to obtain licences or renew them under a directive that bars them if they suffer two "severe" hypoglycemic attacks from a drop in blood sugar levels within a year. Some changes to the application forms and guidance will need clarification from Brussels over whether this refers to all such attacks or just those in waking hours. Another part of the form, issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), has been attacked by the charity Diabetes UK for relying too much on the subjective assessment of licence applicants as to how aware they are of the onset of the attacks, which bring on symptoms such as blurred vision, tiredness and loss of concentration. Cameron attacked what he saw as "pointless new regulation" from the EU in his October Tory party conference speech, adding: "A couple of weeks ago I was up in the flat, going through some work before the start of the day and I saw this EU directive," he said. "Do you know what it was about? Whether people with diabetes should be allowed to drive. What's that got to do with the single market? Do you suppose anyone in China is thinking: 'I know how we'll grow our economy – let's get those diabetics off our roads.'" His remarks were followed by meetings between Diabetes UK, ministers and the DVLA. The commission has already told MEPs that its experts are looking further at the issue of "waking" and "nocturnal" severe hypos, which it defines as those which need the help of another person to deal with. The DV Continue reading >>
Driving & Your Rights
What is Diabetes Canada’s position on driving? People with diabetes have the right to be assessed for a license to drive a motor vehicle on an individual basis in accordance with Diabetes Canada guidelines for private and commercial driving. Read the Diabetes Canada's full position statement on driving and licensing, including background and rationale. What are Diabetes Canada's recommendations for private or commercial drivers? In October 2015, the Clinical and Scientific Section of the Diabetes Canada published Diabetes and Driving: 2015 Canadian Diabetes Association Updated Recommendations for Private and Commercial Drivers. I have been diagnosed with diabetes. Can I keep driving? Most likely. In consultation with your doctor, a decision will be made as to whether you are medically fit to drive. In assessing the suitability of people with diabetes to drive, medical evaluations document any complications and assess blood glucose (BG) control, including the frequency and severity of any hypoglycemic incidents. Diabetes and its complications can affect driving performance due to: Impaired sensory or motor function Diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) Nerve damage (neuropathy) Kidney disease (nephropathy) Cardiovascular disease (CVD) Peripheral vascular disease and stroke Incidents of hypoglycemia Motor vehicle licensing authorities can require licensed drivers to be examined for their medical fitness to drive. You should not have difficulty obtaining and maintaining an operator’s license if you: Properly manage your diabetes; Are able to recognize and treat the early symptoms of hypoglycemia; and Do not have complications that may interfere with your ability to drive. Do I have to report diabetes to the motor vehicle licensing authority? Yes. As a rule, anyone applyin Continue reading >>
Commercial Truck Driving And Diabetes: Can You Become Truck Driver With Diabetes
In this article we will explore what it takes to get a commercial driver’s license with diabetes, and how to get an insulin waiver for Type 1 and Type 2 persons who use insulin. We will look at requirements for Type 1 vs. Type 2 diabetes. We will look at insulin vs. non-insulin users. We will look at state vs. interstate CDL requirements. We will also look at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) diabetes waiver program, and how you can be evaluated to drive a commercial vehicle across state lines when you have diabetes and use insulin. Intrastate guidelines for CDL with diabetes If you want to work in the trucking industry only within your state, and you do not plan to cross any state lines, you can get approved to drive a commercial vehicle in your state. For drivers driving within state lines, you do not need to apply for the Federal Diabetes Exemption. Likewise, you would not need to apply for the Federal Diabetes Exemption if you do not use insulin. Whatever rules and regulations your state has for holding a CDL with diabetes is what you have to follow for intrastate or interstate trucking. It is important to know that most commercial driving will be considered interstate, not intrastate driving, even if you do not cross state lines. If you are carrying cargo or passengers to or from another state, this is also considered as interstate commercial driving. For information on intrastate commercial driving, check with your home state for CDL requirements and see if they are applicable to you. They vary from state to state, with each state having its own regulations. You can look up the laws governing your state by visiting this page at the American Diabetes Association website, You can type your home state in the search for laws and requirements fo Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Driving
If you’ve got diabetes, you need to be aware of the risks involved when you’re driving. If you know the risks, you can take steps to manage them. Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) Low blood sugar levels are dangerous for drivers with diabetes. If you’re taking insulin or tablets for diabetes (except Metformin), it’s very important that you avoid low blood sugar levels, which can dangerously impair your driving. Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) Very high blood sugar levels could leave you feeling unwell or tired, and may affect your ability to drive safely. You should not drive if you’re severely hyperglycaemic. Newly diagnosed? If your diabetes has just been diagnosed and your treatment is still being adjusted, you may not be fit to drive just yet. Check with your doctor. Precautions while driving If your diabetes is well controlled, you can drive a private car safely. However, there are times when you need to take precautions. Always have meals and snacks before and during long journeys. It’s safest not to delay meal times. Take regular, short breaks from driving. Check your blood sugar levels regularly. If you feel that your blood sugar is low, stop driving and treat it with a quick acting sugar, eg three glucose tablets. Follow this up with a plain muesli bar or biscuits. Wait until the sugar has started to work before you start driving again. Keep a supply of plain muesli bars, biscuits, glucose tablets, dried fruit and long lasting fruit juice in your pocket or in the glove box. Don’t delay treating low blood sugar levels. The brain becomes confused when blood sugars reach low levels. Be aware of your warning signs. Although a mild hypo may not seem to impair your driving, it’s vital to act before your judgement is affected. If you sometimes experien Continue reading >>
Type 1 Diabetes And Driving Experience: An Eight-year Cohort Study.
Abstract The driving habits of 250 drivers with Type 1 diabetes were reviewed 8 years after a previous assessment. At least 45 patients had died and 18 patients could not be traced. A postal questionnaire of the 187 survivors elicited a response from 89%. Fifty-six patients (34%) still held an unrestricted driving licence, demonstrating that a significant proportion of diabetic drivers had not declared diabetes to the licensing authority and/or their motor insurer and continued to ignore the statutory regulations. Fewer patients held Heavy Goods Vehicle licences than 8 years previously. Twenty-four patients had ceased driving as their driving skills had diminished with advancing age and ill health. This was a voluntary decision by all but two patients whose driving licences had been revoked. Thirty-nine patients admitted to a total of 55 road traffic accidents since 1979; 9 accidents (16%) were attributed to hypoglycaemia. Although dependent on patients' honesty and the accuracy of recall, the disclosed accident rates of 4.9 per million miles driven for male drivers and 6.3 per million miles for female drivers are comparable to the accident rate of a non-diabetic driving population of similar age. Continue reading >>
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B3.1 Driving Information Updated In May 2016.
Key points: patients should inform their insurance companies of any changes to diabetes treatment patients with Group 1 licences must inform the DVLA if they start insulin (except if temporary), if they have an episode of hypoglycaemia whilst driving or if they have more than 1 episode of severe hypoglycaemia at any time insulin-treated patients may drive Group 2 vehicles after appropriate assessment by an independent doctor insulin-treated patients are advised to monitor blood glucose within 2 hours are starting a journey and 2 hourly when driving patients on sulfonylureas should be offered the opportunity to self-monitor blood glucose Introduction For patients with diabetes the main risks to driving ability are associated with hypoglycaemia and visual impairment. However many patients may also have other co-morbidities such as macrovascular disease and the document below describes the DVLA driving guidance and legislation. The DVLA document "Assessing Fitness to Drive" documents the guidance on driving and diabetes: www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/517268/Fitness_to_drive.pdf Patient information sheets can also be downloaded from the appendix of the above document. Patients with diabetes treated with insulin must inform the DVLA of their diagnosis and type of treatment if it is likely to be for more than 3 months duration. Patients with diabetes treated by diet or tablets do not need to inform the DVLA unless they develop other complications or have frequent episodes of hypoglycaemia or they wish to apply for a Group 2 licence. All patients are advised to inform their car insurance company at diagnosis and if their type of treatment changes. Types of driving licence: Group 1 entitlement allows the driving of vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes o Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Driving For Work
Tweet Having diabetes can make it more difficult to drive large passenger carrying vehicles (PCVs), especially if you are treated with insulin. People who are able to demonstrate good diabetes control are eligible to drive large PCVs. While insulin users may be discouraged from driving emergency vehicles, some people with type 1 diabetes have applied successfully and been employed. If you have diabetes and work as a driver, your eligibility to continue driving will depend on a number of factors. How do I apply for a vocational driving licence? The process of getting your vocational entitlement to drive is a three-step process: [18] Initial application forms A medical questionnaire A further medical questionnaire and an examination by your consultant Diabetes and ‘blue light’ emergency services A blanket ban has previously stopped people with insulin-treated diabetes from driving ‘blue light’ emergency services vehicles. But in recent years, several people with type 1 diabetes have been judged as suitable for blue light driving. 1 However, it is a necessity to ensure excellent control of your blood glucose levels and diabetes management in order to continue driving emergency service vehicles. Taxi drivers with diabetes Local councils issue licences for taxis and minicabs. Their policies may vary throughout the UK and it is best to check with individual councils for further information. Taxi drivers who are dependent on insulin may find it harder than those on tablets, but there is no blanket ban across the UK. Diabetes and driving HGVs and PCVs If your diabetes is treated with diet and/or diet and tablets, you can hold a licence to drive either a large good vehicle (LGV) or a passenger-carrying vehicle (PCV). If your diabetes is insulin-treated, you will automati Continue reading >>
Drivers With Diabetes Benefit From New Medical Reporting Rules
Thanks to advancements in medicine, monitoring and treatment of diabetes, the rules for medical reporting have been relaxed for drivers with diabetes. Drivers with well-managed diabetes no longer have to provide annual driver medical reports, pending the approval of their physician. The new rules reflect changes recommended at the national level by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators and take effect immediately. The changes will save time and money for individuals with diabetes and will allow physicians to provide more focused care for their patients. The most significant changes are the elimination of annual driver medical reports for: commercial drivers holding a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licence with Type 2 diabetes treated with diet and oral medication; and, non-commercial drivers holding a Class 5, 6 or 7 licence with Type 1 diabetes treated with insulin. Driver medical reports will continue to be required: at the onset of the disease; when the status of the condition has changed, as determined by a physician or reported by the individual; for individuals with both acute and chronic complications of the disease; when an individual has suffered a severe hypoglycemic episode or an episode of hypoglycemic unawareness as determined by a physician or reported by the individual; and, at the standard operator’s licence renewal cycle based on the age or Class of licence. More information about medical conditions and safe driving is available online at www.transportation.alberta.ca/542.htm. Backgrounder: Questions and answers Media inquiries may be directed to: Martin Dupuis Communications Alberta Transportation 780-427-1938 To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. Backgrounder Questions and answers: Changes to diabetes medical reporting How common is d Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Driving
I have been recently diagnosed - should I inform the DVLA...? The main risk from having diabetes arises from hypoglycaemia which is a complication of the treatment rather than the diabetes itself. You are legally obliged to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of a diagnosis of diabetes if you are being treated with insulin or oral hypoglycaemic agents (tablets). If you are treated with diet alone you do not need to inform the DVLA. If you have been started on Oral Hypoglycaemic tablets a full 'until 70' license is usually issued. I have been asked to start on insulin, what happens now...? Patients treated with insulin will be sent a Diabetic 1 form which will ask for further details including the name of the patients GP or hospital physician and for consent to approach that doctor directly if necessary. The licence will be issued for 1, 2 or 3 years. You have a responsibility to inform the DVLA of any complications which may affect the safety of your driving. What complications are important...? Diabetic retinopathy Recurrent hypoglycaemia Myocardial infarction Stroke Or write to: The Medical Adviser Drivers Medical Unit DVLA Longview Road Swansea SA99 1TU e-mail: [email protected] Fax: 0845 850 0095 Telephone: 0870 600 0301 Or contact your nearest local office in Suffolk: DVLA local office Podium level St Clare house Greyfriars Ipswich IP1 1UT Enquiries about vehicles 0870 240 0010 (Textphone minicom users 01792 766 426). For enquiries about driving licences 0870 240 0009 (Textphone minicom users 01792 766366). I drive a commercial vehicle, will I be allowed to continue...? With effect April 1991 the law does not allow a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) or Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence to patients treated with insulin. A person with a LGV or PC Continue reading >>
Driving And Type 1 Diabetes
Having diabetes is not an issue for driving but the fact that you are using medication that leaves you at risk of hypoglycaemia means you must take extra precautions and you must inform the National Driver Licence Service. Drivers are advised to take the following precautions: • You must always carry your glucose meter and blood glucose strips with you. You must check your blood glucose before the first journey and every two hours whilst you are driving. • In each case if your blood glucose is 5.0mmol/l or less, take a snack. If it is less than 4.0mmol/l or you feel hypoglycaemic, do not drive and take appropriate action to correct glucose level. • If hypoglycaemia develops while driving, stop the vehicle as soon as possible. • You must switch off the engine, remove the keys from the ignition and move from the driver’s seat. • You must not start driving until 45 minutes after blood glucose has returned to normal. It takes up to 45 minutes for the brain to recover fully. • Always keep an emergency supply of fast-acting carbohydrate such as glucose tablets, lucozade or sweets within easy reach in the vehicle. • You should carry personal identification to show that you have diabetes in case of injury in a road traffic accident. • Particular care should be taken during changes of insulin regimens, changes of lifestyle, exercise, travel and pregnancy. • You must take regular meals, snacks and rest periods on long journeys. Always avoid alcohol. Hypoglycaemia Hypoglycaemia (also known as a hypo) is the medical term for a low blood glucose (sugar) level. Severe hypoglycaemia means that the assistance of another person is required. The risk of hypoglycaemia is the main danger to safe driving and this risk increases the longer you are on insulin treatment. Th Continue reading >>
License To Drive: Type 1 Diabetes Management And Obtaining A Learner's Permit In Maryland And Virginia
Type 1 diabetes is one of the most commonly diagnosed chronic illnesses of childhood, with a prevalence of 1 out of every 400–600 children.1 Successful management of type 1 diabetes requires adolescents to engage in a number of daily tasks, including frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), insulin administration, carbohydrate counting, and prevention of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.2 Consistent adherence to a diabetes care regimen, including frequent SMBG, has been related to improved glycemic control.3,4 Adolescents with type 1 diabetes demonstrate poorer adherence to treatment regimens compared to other age-groups, and there are limited data on specific methods to improve adherence among adolescents.5,6 Driving is one of the most anticipated privileges for many adolescents. For adolescents diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, additional steps may need to be taken to obtain a driver's license.7,8 At present, at least 23 states require drivers to disclose a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.7 Some states require physician approval only when a driver has a history of seizure or unconsciousness, whereas 11 states require the signature of a physician for all patients with type 1 diabetes before obtaining a learner's permit or license.9 The impact of state driving laws on type 1 diabetes management behaviors is not well understood, and no research to date has explored the relationship between state requirements for physician endorsement of drivers and type 1 diabetes management. In general, adolescents are less experienced drivers and engage in greater risk-taking behaviors when driving compared to adults.10,11 Acute complications related to poor type 1 diabetes management may exacerbate unsafe driving behavior in adolescents. Few studies have directly examined driving Continue reading >>
Diabetics Could Lose Their Driving Licences
Thousands of diabetics face having their driving licences revoked because of a European directive on hypoglycaemic – or low blood sugar – attacks. The ruling states that a type 1 or type 2 diabetic who takes insulin would lose their licence if they have two severe hypo attacks in one year. But the problem lies in the use of the word ‘severe’ and now Diabetes UK is working with the DVLA to clarify the rules so that people with diabetes are not unfairly penalised. Bridget Turner, head of policy for Diabetes UK, said: “At the moment the word severe can be interpreted in many different ways by different people so there needs to be a clarification. There also needs to be clarification about whether night time hypo, in which people who have an attack in their sleep, are actually at risk.” Could affect thousands About one million people in the UK take insulin to control their diabetes. Until now the DVLA has not released figures on those who do have their licences revoked because they have not been able to control their condition. But the fear is that unless the word ‘severe’ is clarified it could affect thousands. Currently, the rules state that a licence can be revoked if a health professional decides a person is not safe to drive. People with diabetes have to reapply for their licence every three years and provide medical proof their hypos are being controlled. There is no evidence that diabetics cause any more road accidents than anybody else. Symptoms A hypo is defined as blood glucose level falling below a certain level. Symptoms can range from sweating to feeling anxious, trembling, hunger, going pale and palpitations. It varies from person to person. But it can generally be treated by having a sweet drink or taking some glucose tablets. Louise Davies, 2 Continue reading >>
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Diabetes And Driving
Diabetes is a complex condition which can affect the entire body. All drivers diagnosed with diabetes are legally required to notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles of their condition. There are 2 categories of diabetes ? Type 1 (controlled by insulin/medication) and Type 2 (controlled by diet). How can Type 1 Diabetes affect my driving? Vision ? Diabetes can cause cloudy vision which is associated with high and low blood glucose levels. It is recommended that you have your eyes tested by a specialist once every 12 months to keep on top of any visual impairment. Possible loss of consciousness ? if you have a severe hypoglycaemic episode while driving, it is possible that you may lose consciousness and control of your vehicle. If you experience one of these episodes, it is recommended that you stop driving and seek medical attention. Numbness ? abnormal blood glucose levels can cause your feet or hands to become numb, which may impact on your driving ability. What are the symptoms? It is possible that a hypoglycaemic episode can occur without any warning signs. However, early symptoms of hypoglycaemia include: Shaking Sweating Dizziness Palpitations Hunger Irritability What precautions can I take? If you take insulin or medications that can cause hypoglycaemia (hypo): Check your blood glucose level before driving. Don't drive unless over 5 mmol/L Take your meter, hypo treatment (e.g. jelly beans) and carbohydrate snacks with you, even on short trips If you have a hypo whilst driving, pull over and turn off the car. Do not drive again until your blood glucose level returns to normal and you feel better On long trips, plan regular stops for blood glucose testing and snack breaks Wear identification that states your name, doctor and diabetes treatment If you think you have Continue reading >>
Vehicles You Can Drive
Home » About Diabetes » Living With Diabetes » Driving » Vehicles You Can Drive Driving and Diabetes Driving and the EU law News release: EU changes night-time hypos driving rules for people with diabetes Driving and hypoglycaemia – what are doctors being advised to do? Test Strips – Department Of Health Warning For Doctors And Pharmacists Vehicles You Can Drive Insulin and Driving Taxis Hypoglycaemia and Driving Driving and Medicines Driving and Visual Field Loss Vehicles You Can Drive On January 1st 1998, driving restrictions came into force in the UK to bring the UK in line with the other European countries. People with insulin-treated diabetes have medically restricted driving licences issued for a maximum of 3 years. Diabetes is NOT specifically singled out – the regulations apply [i] to all conditions which require a medically restricted licence and [ii] to everyone applying for a licence for the first time whether young or old, with a normal licence or a restricted licence. You ARE able to: Drive a car or vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes with a trailer. Tow a caravan, boat, horse box or broken-down vehicle. Drive a minibus of less than 9 seats. If you drive a non-commercial minibus on a voluntary unpaid basis you can apply for a special licence. This is bit complex and you can obtain information from the DVLA Swansea, Fact Sheet INF 28. Driving a mini-bus For many people there has always been some confusion over the DVLA regulations for driving a mini-bus. You may be able to drive a mini-bus if you hold a car licence and follow certain conditions. Your driving licence will tell you what vehicles you can drive. The DVLA states that you may be able to drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats using your current car driving licence as long as it’s not for � Continue reading >>
Diabetes
Diabetes is a medical condition that may affect your fitness to drive and must be reported to VicRoads. Diabetes is managed by oral blood glucose lowering medicine or insulin. It is important to have regular medical checkups from your doctor, because it is possible to have diabetes and not be aware of it. Left untreated, diabetes can cause vision problems by damaging the blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to blindness. Other side effects of diabetes include nerve damage in your legs and/or heart problems. Visit our Visual Impairment page for information on eye diseases and vision impairments that may affect safe driving. If you applying for or hold a current learner permit or driver licence, and you have a serious, permanent or long-term illness, disability, medical condition or injury that may affect your fitness to drive, you must notify VicRoads of your condition.* This includes diabetes, whether it is managed by insulin or blood glucose lowering medicine. Failure to make the required notification is an offence under regulation 67(2) of the Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 2009. *Not required if you have recently been medically assessed by VicRoads or are currently having a VicRoads medical review assessment, unless there has been a change to your previously notified condition(s). Driving and diabetes Applying for your first learner permit or driver licence If you are applying for your first learner permit or driver licence, and you have diabetes, you must notify VicRoads and provide a medical report before a learner permit or a licence can be issued. Failure to notify VicRoads that you have diabetes when you apply for a learner permit or licence, is an offence under regulation 67(2) of the Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 2009 and could result in your lea Continue reading >>
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