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Testing and driving

K

Katalina1974

Member
Messages
8
Hi I'm on insulin so I have to test to drive....

Asked today for more test strips from my doctor.
I was then asked by the receptionist how many times do you test a day,I said 4 times and was told I should only be testing 2 times a day!!!!!!
Hmmm when I said that I test first thing before eating and taking kids to school.8.30
2 test before lunch then going to my job.12.30
3test before I pick the kids back up 3.30
And then before bed

She then said why do you have to test before driving You don't have to ??? She now has me doubting myself

Then told her I want to see the doctor ...she said why !!! Because I want my test strips with out having to go in to every detail with you and to complain ...result she gave me my test strips lol

Rant over lol

So am I over testing ???
 
No you're not.

By law you're meant to test before you get behind the wheel. If you don't test , you hypo and you cause an accident YOU are at fault. If you test , can prove on your machine you tested , you're covered. :)
 
Remember though... That your Gp does NOT have to provide you strips to drive... Even though the DLA stipulate fiiiivvve to drrrrive.

The Gp only has to provide strips to actually keep you healthy.. If you see what I mean... They COULD refuse and make you buy your own strips to drive.

I haven't heard of any Gp actually doing this...BUT it is within their realms of power to refuse.



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Please remember though... GP's do NOT have to give strips to you so that you can keep driving.. If they wanted to they could refuse.

It is the DVLA that require you to test and be above fiiiive to driiiiive, in their regulations.. They do not stipulate that Gp's provide them...

Gp's can refuse to supply strips just to enable a driver to keep driving. Especially if say you we're over 70 and entitled to a free bus pass etc.

Personally, I have never heard of a Gp refusing when it's for driving, but I am always aware that they could,,,,,


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I thought only a Dr could prescribe test strips or a Senior Practice Nurse :o Pleased you got the strips Katalina and admire your patience in dealing with the matter, I can't for life of me think what business it is of a receptionist to know or preach to someone how many times they should test a day.
 
My GP surgery now has A5 size booklets displayed on the shelf all about the need to test bg levels before driving (it's been done by a blood glucose meter company in conjunction with the DVLA guidelines). The surgery receptionist should not have questioned what meds you need (unless the practise manager was standing in as receptionist) and should have known better and I would complain to the GP over 2 bg tests per day being ok as its more or less as good as not prescribing them at all :twisted:

I have just found the booklet.... its not been done by a blood glucose meter company but by another company called Trend-UK. I would think it is in most surgeries. There was even a large poster displayed on the wall in the surgery about the legal requirement to test bg levels before driving.
 
I am type one and was told by my surgery that 50 strips should last me a month (i inject 4 times a day) and I drive a lot with my job, and that I was only getting 50 strips so make them last. I contacted local health board made a complaint and pointed out DVLA guidance about testing and now I am allowed to have my strips and the local health board have sent out new guidance to all surgeries in the area saying the 50 strips limit is not for everyone. It's mad that they are really cutting back on vital equipment for diabetics. I have had my needles changed every month for the last 3 months to something different each month; its a nightmare.


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I know metformin is not an insulin lowering med & therefore I don't need to inform DVLA. My question was about the 5 to drive requirement. Does this still apply to me ?

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So that still makes my saying of 'five to drive' correct....

If any reading of 4.1, 4.2 etc its still got number 4 in it so no way...

Leaflets in my doctors actually say 5.0 to drive too.
 
That's exactly what I thought too but the DVLA site doesn't say that. It says the only time you can't drive is below 4. If below 5, you can still drive. I'll try to post link but I'm not too good with computer stuff ;-)


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Please keep for further reference
A Guide to Insulin Treated Diabetes and Driving
Drivers who have any form of diabetes treated with any insulin preparation must inform DVLA
You must also inform DVLA if your diabetes has become worse since your last licence was issued.
EYESIGHT
All drivers are required by law to read in good daylight a registration mark fixed to a motor vehicle and containing letters and figures 79.4 mm. high and 57 mm. wide, at a distance of 20.5 metres or at a distance of 20 metres where the characters are 50 mm. wide and 79 mm. high.
You must inform DVLA
• If you are unable to meet the number plate requirement.
• Of any problems that affect your field of vision.
• Of any conditions that affect both eyes or the remaining eye if
monocular.
• If you have had laser treatment to both eyes for retinopathy, or to
the remaining eye if monocular.
HYPOGLYCAEMIA
The risk of hypoglycaemia (low Blood sugar) is the main hazard to safe driving. 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. Always stop as soon as safe;y possible – do not ignore the warning signs.
You must inform DVLA
• If you develop impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia
• If you suffer disabling hypogycaemia at the wheel
• If you have frequent episodes of hypogylcaemia LIMB PROBLEMS
Limb problems/amputations are unlikely to prevent driving. They may be overcome by either restricting driving to certain types of vehicles e.g. those with automatic transmission, or by adaptations such as hand operated accelerator/brake.
You must inform DVLA
• If you develop problems with either the nerves or in the circulation in your legs which prevent safe use of the foot pedals.
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.
CONTACT US
Web site: http://www.dvla.gov.uk/motoring
Tel:0870 600 0301 (8.15am. to 4.30pm. Mon – Fri)
Write: Drivers Medical Group, DVLA, Swansea SA99 1TU E-mail: [email protected]
Rev May 06



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