16: Diabetes & Driving: Why You Need to Be 5 to Drive

Suggest guests or get in contactEpisode 16 — Diabetes & Driving: Why You Need to Be 5 to DriveShow summary PDF and full notes hereSupport The Glucose Never Lies® Podcast ☕ Buy Me a Coffee💙 DonateGuest: Professor Pratik Choudhary (University of Leicester, Leicester Diabetes Centre; Chair, DVLA Medical Advisory Panel on Diabetes) Host: John Pemberton (The Glucose Never Lies® Podcast)Episode OverviewDriving with type 1 diabetes is not just about safety. It comes with clear legal responsibilities.We cover:The legal differences between Group 1 (cars, motorcycles ≤3.5 t, ≤8 passengers) and Group 2 (HGV, minibuses, passenger vehicles >3.5 t or >8 passengers).Why the law requires you to be ≥5 mmol/L before driving (“5 to drive”).The 45-minute rule: after treating a hypo, you must wait 45 minutes once you are back above 5 mmol/L.When CGM readings are accepted (Group 1) versus when only finger-prick testing counts (Group 2, currently).The importance of self-declaring severe hypoglycaemia: two daytime events in 12 months means you must report it.Practical tips: keeping your meter’s date/time accurate, carrying a backup meter, and setting CGM low alerts at 5 for long journeys.Key Takeaways5 to drive: ≥5.0 mmol/L4.0–4.9 mmol/L: snack, then drive<4.0 mmol/L: treat → confirm >5.0 → wait 45 minutes once above 5Check every ≤2 hours — each check “expires” like a parking ticketGroup 1 drivers: CGM or finger-prick both acceptedGroup 2 drivers: finger-prick only (until law changes)Severe hypos: two daytime events in 12 months → you must self-declareResponsibility lies with the driver, not your clinicianResources and Further ReadingVisit The Glucose Never Lies® — Episode 16 to access:DVLA INF294 — Insulin-treated diabetes and driving (official guidance)NHS England guidance on approved blood glucose metersDSN Forum CGM Accuracy Comparison ChartCGM Guides — The Glucose Never Lies®Automated Insulin Delivery Guides — The Glucose Never Lies®Listen or Watch - Click here to access your favourite provider, whether by video or audioDisclaimerIt does not replace official DVLA guidance (INF294). Rules may change. Always check the latest DVLA information before making decisions about driving.Prepared by John Pemberton Executed by the Legend that is: Professor Pratik ChoudharySupport GNL: https://buy.stripe.com/9B63cx4UO3KEdKC0Sp7Re00The Glucose Never Lies® is a registered trademark of The GNL Ltd. Company No. 16733595. UK VAT No. GB 516 3272 08.DisclaimerThis podcast is for education and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for individualised care.The Glucose Never Lies® is independent by designWe do not accept sponsorships and advertising. We operate via education grants and donations from listeners who value independence. So, consider:Buying the GNL a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jspfree2EnquiriesCollaboration: John Pemberton — [email protected]: Anjanee Kohli — [email protected] The Glucose Never Lies®Website: https://theglucoseneverlies.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theglucoseneverliesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theglucoseneverliesLinkedIn: John Pemberton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-pemberton-587104361/X: https://twitter.com/GlucoseNLiesDisclaimer This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.© The Glucose Never Lies Ltd. All rights reserved.