CarbsRok said:
Ken, the consultant is saying 5 to drive as in don't drive if blood sugar is below 5. This is also stated in the DVLA guidelines. She is refering to the A1c being at 6% I think.
Not sure where that information has come from ? Do you have a link to it ?
I have again checked the latest Feb 2010 DVLA Medical standards guide for Practitioners and Motorists. This is the current information which also incorporates the March 2010 amendments here:
HYPOGLYCAEMIA
The risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) is the main hazard to safe driving and can occur with diabetes treated with insulin or tablets or both. This may endanger your own life as well as that of other road users. Many of the accidents caused by hypoglycaemia are because drivers continue to drive even though they are experiencing warning signs of hypoglycaemia.
If you experience warning signs of hypoglycaemia while driving you must always stop as soon as safely possible – do not ignore the warning signs.
Then this:
Drivers with insulin treated diabetes are advised to take the following precautions:
• Do not drive if you feel hypoglycaemic
or if your blood glucose is less than 4.0 mmol/l.
• If hypoglycaemia develops while driving stop the vehicle as soon as possible in a safe location, switch off the engine, remove the keys from the ignition and move from the drivers seat.
• Do not resume driving until 45 minutes after blood glucose has returned to normal. It takes up to 45 minutes for the brain to fully recover.
• Always keep an emergency supply of fast-acting carbohydrate such as glucose tablets or sweets within easy reach in the vehicle.
• Carry your glucose meter and blood glucose strips with you. Check blood glucose before driving (even on short journeys) and test regularly (every 2 hours) on long journeys.
If blood glucose is 5.0mmol/l or less, take a snack before driving.• Carry personal identification indicating 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.
• Take regular meals, snacks and rest periods on long journeys. Always avoid alcohol.
Some of the information on the YouGov website is inaccurate and you should always check the DVLA site as the information sometimes changes frequently. This is the current rules in the UK.
Ken