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Grave mistake

M

Melj1

Newbie
Messages
3
Hi everyone, I'm new to this so please bare with me, as in my title I have made a grave error and can only blame myself for it. I wasn't made aware that I needed to inform the dvla about being put on insulin and I was under the impression it was only type 1 that needed to inform them, however at a recent appointment with a new dn I was told that I needed to tell the dvla. The problem is I've been on inulin for about 3-4 years, I have never had a hypo or been anywhere near one and I've never had an accident. I would be really grateful for any advice as I now need to tell them and quite frankly I'm scared but totally aware this is my fault.
 
I think you inform them initially online? Certainly every time I renew my medical license I select yes I am on insulin but I don’t ever remember being asked how long I have been taking it. I would go online and see if you can update your information and hopefully the question is just concerned with what you are taking now.
 
Welcome to the forums @Melj1

The whole point of the notification is because most people on insulin get hypos, and they are worried that you may get one while driving. As you haven't had any hypos. logically/hopefully you shouldn't have any issues, though I guess they may want to check with your GP or clinic that this is the case.

What type of diabetes do you have? T2 or something else (eg MODY, T3c).

Do you drive for a living? (As in heavy goods vehicle?) I would hope that if you just have a normal car license there shouldn't be an issue, but if you drive a heavy goods vehicle things may be more difficult.

I guess the only other issue is that you need to start doing a blood test whenever you drive a car? (Sorry, UK rules).

Edited to add.Disclaimer, I left the UK in 1999 so am not personally up to date with filling out current diabetic forms, though I did it every 3 years before I left and when I google what I hope is the current DIAB1 form, I can't see a mention of start date for your insulin use.
 
Please inform the DVLA asap.
Your car insurance is invalid if you are driving on the wrong license which is the case
You also need to inform your insurer for this reason.
This is not just a risk for you but also a risk for anyone else involved in an accident with you. Especially of the cause of the accident is a hypo. You say you have never had one. That does not mean you never will.
My advice is not to get behind the wheel until you are legally entitled to do so.
 
I don't know anything about your current health and circumstances so please forgive me if the following is not an option. Two friends of mine who both have Type 2 have been able to stop using insulin once they have started low carbohydrate eating plans. One had been using insulin for many years and now they both have Metformin only.
 

Hi,

I’m confident there won’t be any issue with your delay in notifying the DVLA.
So please try not to panic, let them know ASAP.
Some info here.. https://www.gov.uk/diabetes-driving

Best wishes.
 
It's quicker to do this online if you don't have any other medical conditions that DVLA need to know of. Your new licence will be issued for 1-3 years and then need renewing again.
 
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