DVLA worry and confusion

Hi everyone,


I recently saw my consultant and asked to go onto insulin as the metformin was creating chaos with my bowels and making life incredibly difficult.

I started insulin, informed the dvla and now have had a letter with another DIAB1 form to complete. I am terrified I will lose my liscence despite never having had a hypo and my eyes causing no issue. I need my car for work so as you can imagine I am worried sick!
I am unsure if the dvla always send out another form with a scary letter stating "if you already hold a driving licence, we advise you to speak to you doctor or specialist about driving while we are completing our enquiries". I am also thinking I may have filled in the wrong form originally.

Does anyone have any advice? I am basically looking for reassurance that this is normal practice or at least not unusual!

I am starting to wish I just carried on with the metformin!

mo1905 said:

It's standard DVLA guidelines when starting on insulin. There will be forms to fill out and they will write to your consultant. If your diabetes is well controlled, there should be no problem. Your license is usually valid for 3 years.

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Thank you so much! My diabetes isn't amazingly well controlled but the issue is with high BM's not low. Will the fact that my hba1c is high cause an issue?

Beachbag said:

Hello Orgija . Don't be overly concerned, it's the normal DVLA response letter. As you haven't had any hypos requiring assistance and have no visual problems you should be ok. As you are now an insulin user you will be required to apply for a licence renewal every three years ( think it's yearly for hgv and psv drivers). It is also a requirement that You test your blood glucose before driving and every subsequent two hours whilst on the road. If the level is below 5mmol have something sweet and wait 45mins before retesting to make sure your BG level has risen.
Good luck

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Thank you! I nearly had a heart attack when I saw the letter!

Beachbag said:

.....then a good reason to have a go at gaining better control eh?
Have a look at your diet and see what changes you can make. It'll be worth it, believe me.

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Oh believe me my blood sugar is much lower than it was! And it continues to improve. Thank you again

noblehead said:

Try not to stress, the DIAB1 form is routinely sent out to those who manage their diabetes with insulin, just fill the form in as honestly as you can and double check your answers before sending it off, there should be some notes that accompany the form which you should read before completing. In most cases if the DVLA have no concerns with your diabetes they will issue you with a 3 year licence, good luck!!!!!

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Thank you for your help I really appreciate it