Type 1 Diabetic taking driving test

[Kevind.]

Hi. My daughter (17) was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in October last year. She is taking her driving test this week and is worried that she will have to take a blood sugar test in front of the examiner who will not let her take the test if she is over 7. Does anyone know if this is the case?

Her levels are between 12 and 15 each morning recently (if anyone can help with that one we would be most grateful!) She has been increasing her night time background insulin to about 16 per night but is still high during most of the day - just looking at food of any type (even non-carb or non-sugary food) seems to send her levels rocketing. She takes between 6 and 8 Humulin before meals, but we are wondering whether she simply needs to up her insulin intake even more. She has had a really tough time since her 'honeymoon" period ended, and when she thought she might not be diabetic. Just struggling to get her normal levels - before the honeymoon period she was getting a lot of Hypos and is wary about going too low.

Anyway - any advice or guidance very much appreciated.

Thanks

Kevin

 

[noblehead]

Re: Tupe 1 Diabetic taking driving test

Kevin,

First of all I would say she needs to discuss her insulin requirements with her diabetes care team as 12-15 is way too high especially if she remains around these figures throughout the day, coming out of the honeymoon period would mean an increase of insulin is required....but again do seek advice on how best to go about this with her HCP.

Not sure about the 7 limit before taking the test, stress can push bg up so I'd imagine it would be hard to achieve this with something as nerve-racking as a driving test, you could contact the DVLA and ask for clarification.

 

[Kevind.]

Re: Tupe 1 Diabetic taking driving test

Thanks. Yes, we are but current increase in insulin intake seems to be having little impact. (We're looking more closely at diet as she has been sneaking chocolate!) She does have spells during the day when she gets back under 10 but and has shown some improvement (she was in the 20's at times last week) but she is still too high.

Btw - I have checked with DVLA - they do not require anything other than the correct driving license, but normal rules for diabetic drivers apply - check levels before driving.

Thanks again......
Kevin

 

[Tracey69]

Re: Tupe 1 Diabetic taking driving test

HI
It sounds as though her Humulin needs to be up. Are you sure she has no infection, but saying that stress can upset the sugar levels. If she is worrying about the driving test that may not be helping.
I hope you have been told that you need to let the DVLA know she is a type 1 diabetic when she passes, also make sure her insurance company know this.
Her levels seem quite high so i think you could do with some medical help.
I think as long as she is not hypo ( low blood sugar) she shouldn't need to do a blood test unless she feels unwell, otherwise cancel the test until you see a doctor.
Hope she gets on ok
Tracey

 

[elainechi]

sounds like her long acting insulin needs to be increased. my daughter has had t1 for 18mths nearly and we are nearly getting there. jane takes 30units of levemir at night and 1unit per 7.5 grams of carbs. she still euns in 20s when sneaking food but i think shes coming roung to the idea that diabetes is not going away!!!! so just try your best for now and good luck wirh the driving test x

 

[AMBrennan]

My daughter (17) [...] is worried that she will have to take a blood sugar test in front of the examiner who will not let her take the test if she is over 7

Seems unlikely to me as I've been told to make sure that BG is at leat 6 mmol/l before driving (too avoid hypos - much more dangerous while driving); it seems unlikely that they would have such a narrow acceptable range.

I think as long as she is not hypo ( low blood sugar) she shouldn't need to do a blood test

And how would she be able to tell that she isn't hypo without doing a blood test? All T1s need to test before driving.