Rules and advice for a diabetic patient while driving

The legislation or rule regarding having driving licence of a diabetic patient vary from country to country. In UK, if a diabetic patient is on insulin treatment, he or she must notify DVLA (Driver and Vehicle licensing agency).

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A diabetic patient should fulfil following criteria:

• The person must have adequate awareness of hypoglycemia( Over time with insulin treatment, hypoglycemia awareness might be diminished. Alcohol intake also reduce the awareness)
• The driver shouldn't have more than one episode of severe hypoglycemia in preceding 12 months
• Meet the standard of visual acuity and visual field test
• Annual examination by a diabetes specialist

The driver should follow the mentioned advises:

• Check blood sugar within 2 hours before starting journey and every two hour while driving (if journey is long)
• Blood sugar level should be over 5 mmol/L (90mg/dl)
• Keep an accessible supply of fast acting carbohydrates in the vehicle
• Take regular snacks or meals during long journey
• Stop driving if feeling any symptoms of hypoglycemia
• Refrain oneself from driving until at least 45 minutes from the recovery of hypoglycemia ( cognitive function takes longer time to restore)