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You & Prof Frier appear to have made a false assumption that
"insulin dependant diabetic patients must test their blood glucose before
they drive" is part of the DVLA (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency)
regulations.
I checked with the medical advisor for the DVLA about this. They
confirmed that it is NOT in the regulations that drivers on insulin should
test their blood glucose before driving. They do however recommend this
as good practice, as also advised by DUK.
An advice leaflet is sent directly to patients once they inform the
DVLA about their Insulin use. This advice includes testing before driving
& also re-testing every 2 hours on long journeys.
It is not surprising that 55% of doctors did not know that this was
"part of the regulations" as it is not part of the regulations, although
it may be good advice.
DVLA regulations re diabetic drivers
I read your article with interest.
You & Prof Frier appear to have made a false assumption that
"insulin dependant diabetic patients must test their blood glucose before
they drive" is part of the DVLA (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency)
regulations.
I checked with the medical advisor for the DVLA about this. They
confirmed that it is NOT in the regulations that drivers on insulin should
test their blood glucose before driving. They do however recommend this
as good practice, as also advised by DUK.
An advice leaflet is sent directly to patients once they inform the
DVLA about their Insulin use. This advice includes testing before driving
& also re-testing every 2 hours on long journeys.
It is not surprising that 55% of doctors did not know that this was
"part of the regulations" as it is not part of the regulations, although
it may be good advice.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests