Any motorists with diabetes?

[Rule 34]

Ive got to get myself diagnosed with diabetes, ive been putting it off but my doctor is insisting I push on with it.

Anyway thats not my problem really, my worry is that ive got too, by law inform the DVLA.

Does anyone know what this actually means? Ive been led to believe I wont be able to drive lorries, I dont have a lorry license anyway but ive got to go for a medical with the DVLA to decide whether or not I can keep my license. Is this true?

The DVLA website pretty much says I could be called for and isnt clear either way.

If I have to lose my license this way ill take it on the chin, but how do I stand with track driving? they all want to see a license

[Tim Falce]

You say you have got to get yourself diagnosed, so assuming you haven't done so yet I would try not to worry until the worst happens and don't forget there are two types of diabetes AFAIK one not being so bad as the other.
If the worst happens then all is not lost, one of our older drivers had insulin dependant diabetes and he kept his LGV licence although you may not be granted one if you don't already have it, sort of like the eyesight requirements.
If you are diagnosed and your doctor says you need to inform the DVLA then make sure you do it before the doctor does as it makes things easier to get your licence back if it is temporarily revoked.
To be honest if the DVLA don't think you're fit to drive on the road I'd be very unhappy about sharing a track with you on it.
Hope all goes well for you, good luck

[JimW]

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...rs/DG_10030957 says:

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Drivers do not need to tell DVLA if their diabetes is treated by tablets, diet or both and they are free of the complications listed below.
Some people with diabetes develop associated problems that may affect their driving.

What you need to tell us about

By law you must tell us if any of the following apply:

• you need treatment with insulin
• you need laser treatment to both eyes, or in the remaining eye if you have sight in one eye only
• you have problems with vision in both eyes, or in the remaining eye if you have sight in one eye only. (By law, you must be able to read, with glasses or contact lenses if necessary, a car number plate in good light at 20.5 metres (67 feet) or 20 metres (65 feet) where narrower characters (50mm wide) are displayed)
• you develop any problems with the circulation, or sensation in your legs or feet which makes it necessary for you to drive certain types of vehicles only, for example, automatic vehicles or vehicles with a hand operated accelerator or brake. This must be shown on your driving licence
• you suffer more than one episode of disabling hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) within 12 months, or if you or your carer feels that you are at high risk of developing disabling hypoglycaemia
• you develop impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia
• you suffer disabling hypoglycaemia at the wheel
• an existing medical condition gets worse or you develop any other condition that may affect your safe driving

In the interests of road safety, you must be sure that you can safely control a motor vehicle at all times.
How to tell us
If your doctor, specialist or optician tells you to report your condition to us, you need to fill in a DIAB1 medical questionnaire about diabetes.

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(Lots more to read, that's the highlights I've copied.)

Good luck.

Regards

Jim

[gary396]

Shouldn't be a huge problem - my mother in law has insulin dependent diabetis (must be for over 40 years now) and is still driving. My father also had it and was still driving. Just need to inform DVLA - it would be very unusual for you to lose your licence for this, I seem to recall you just need to re-apply every few years or something like that.

Don't forget to advise your insurance company as well as it will invalidate your policy if you don't. Premiums can increase so you might need to shop around. This is the worse aspect driving-wise.

Gary

[ensign14]

Howdy Wilcox II was banned from the Indy 500 because of it.

[Rule 34]

Thanks guys, its looking ok.

I have a DVLA leaflet that says if im treated with medication then ill need to inform them. So its all a bit conflicting from them, id imagine the website has the most up to date information so ill roll with that.

[Alan Raine]

If your diabetes is well controlled it's not a problem. You have to advise the DVLA if you pass out due to Hypo's. My daughter was recently admitted to hospital due to a virul illness but because it had affected her diabetes she has to tell the DVLA and they will investigate the case and decide if they'll withhold her license for a while. The first problem in 12 years.

Chris Rea and I believe Paul O'Neill is diabetic and they both race happily.

[Rule 34]

Thanks saw a doctor about it today, he advised me that if im treated with medication they need to be told but I wont lose my license until ive had a very bad fit which is fair enough imo

I have type 2 diabetes which makes losing my license even less likely, I suppose I should just get on enjoying it just incase.

[Alan Raine]

Originally Posted by Rule 34

Thanks saw a doctor about it today, he advised me that if im treated with medication they need to be told but I wont lose my license until ive had a very bad fit which is fair enough imo

I have type 2 diabetes which makes losing my license even less likely, I suppose I should just get on enjoying it just incase.

Your doctor is spot on and Type 2 is a lot easier to deal with. Watch your diet and don't take any risks

[GORDON STREETER]

Originally Posted by Alan Raine

Your doctor is spot on and Type 2 is a lot easier to deal with. Watch your diet and don't take any risks

Indeed a lot of people have type 2 and don't even know about it for years !