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Blood testing ALWAYS before driving

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PALSER10

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On a visit to the surgery today for a Flu Jab, the nurse ( also the practice diabetes nurse) asked me whether I drove. She said that she attended a course the previous day, when she was informed that diabetics on Insulin are legally bound to test their blood sugar levels before they drive any journey, and on longer journeys, stop and test again at least every 2 hours. Should you be involved in accident, you could be prosecuted if you are unable to provide evidence of an acceptable blood sugar level when you started the journey. She was not given a definition of what constitutes a journey, eg you stop at a garage for petrol - do you retest!
This blood testing requirement is well over the top for people like myself, a type 2, who successfully controls blood sugar levels by a daily insulin injection, tablets and a sensible diet. My diabetes Consultant is now content for see me annually with just one HB1ac test before that meeting.
I did have a few "nearly hypos" when I first started on insulin in 2008, which were easily recognised and usually followed intense physical activity - gardening/gym exercise, and succesfully treated with glucose tablets, which I always carry. Once we sorted out a appropriate insulin dosage and adjusted the tablets, these "nearly" incidents stopped, with no reoccurences for over 18 months.
Is anybody else aware of this development ?
 
I don't think this is new advice. I have always been told this and follow it to the letter. After all it makes a lot of sense. I don't re test if i stop for fuel just after the start of my journey but would if say i'd driven more than about 20 minutes before getting fuel. I also keep something handy incase i feel that i maybe going low.
 
I couldn't find the actual leaflet online but it's quoted on full on the site of a chamber of barristers and there is some discussion of the law in practice
.http://www.no5.com/news-publications/ne ... us-driving


You must inform DVLA if:
• You suffer more than one episode of disabling hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) within 12 months, or if you or your carer feels you are at high risk of developing disabling hypoglycaemia
• You develop impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia. (Difficulty in recognising the warning symptoms of low blood sugar)
• You suffer disabling hypoglycaemia while driving
• An existing medical condition gets worse or you develop any other condition that may affect you driving safely

Drivers with insulin treated diabetes are advised to take the following precautions:
• Do not drive if you feel hypoglycemic or if your blood glucose is less than 4.0 mmol/l
• If hypoglycemia 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 driver’s 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

This info should be sent to people when they receive their licence (though as the barrister notes The letter is not sent by registered post and no acknowledgement of the receipt and consideration of the letter by the licence holder are required. The guidance is not sent repeatedly throughout the lifetime of the licence holder.)
There may of course be a revision of the leaflet if regulations are changed.
 
This seems like as sensible approach to me, and I'd suggest this should be a consideration when discussing how many test strips a person is prescribed.
 
The clue is in the DVLA text. Drivers are ADVISED to test before driving.....

I would not dispute the sense in testing before driving & regular testing whilst on the road. But as for it being a legal requirement, I'll dispute that.

There may be implications if you don't test, have a hypo then an accident, but that still doesn't make it a legal requirement to test. What you would have to do is show that you took reasonable precautions to ensure that you were fit to drive.

People often tell others that something "is the law" in order to scare them into compliance. I have challenged people on this a few times when I didn't believe them & invariably, it's advice, guidance or company policy, but not "the law".

I believe that one assesses one's own risk. I will not test within a couple of hours of a meal as I know my own body, I never go hypo then. I also have good awareness & keep glucose tablets on hand. If you have little awareness or frequent hypos, then test, otherwise, act sensibly & read the guidance. Plus remember, it's guidance.

For clarity; I am not a lawyer, this is merely my own opinion.
 
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