Blood sugar levels and driving

S

shadley

Newbie

Messages

1

Type of diabetes

Treatment type

Insulin

• Aug 1, 2023

• #1

Is it against the law to drive in uk with bs reading below 5.0 or is it 4.0?

 

S

SherwoodT1

Well-Known Member

Messages

45

Type of diabetes

Type 1

Treatment type

Insulin

• Aug 1, 2023

• #2

From memory, under 4.0 is the law threshold. But, DVLA advice is to be above 5.0, and to eat a 15g snack before driving if you're under this. If you're hypoglycemic, you should wait 45 minutes after reaching a blood glucose level above 5.0 before driving. The DVLA also says you should move to the passenger seat during this time. Hope that helps.

 

S

SherwoodT1

Well-Known Member

Messages

45

Type of diabetes

Type 1

Treatment type

Insulin

• Aug 1, 2023

• #3

In case the link would cause a problem in my post above, here's the reference document from the DVLA:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/834451/inf294-a-guide-to-insulin-treated-diabetes-and-driving.pdf

Its well worth a read, especially if you drive anything larger than a standard car.

 

searley

Well-Known Member

Retired Moderator

Messages

2,256

Location

Southampton

Type of diabetes

Type 1

Treatment type

Pump

Dislikes

Diabetes, not having Jaffa Cake

• Aug 2, 2023

• #4

They do not start to drive if below 5

But once driving you can go as low as 4

 

PatsyB

Well-Known Member

Messages

3,058

Location

Notts

Type of diabetes

Type 2

Treatment type

Insulin

Dislikes

Diabetes

• Aug 2, 2023

• #5

Yes I been told not to drive if level is below 5 so have to test every time before driving.

 

Mrs HJG

Well-Known Member

Messages

328

Type of diabetes

LADA

Treatment type

Tablets (oral)

• Aug 2, 2023

• #6

NB. @shadley this is only if you are using insulin or other medication that can cause hypoglycaemia; chances are non-diabetics will be below 5 most of the time except straight after eating