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 clinicianDisclaimerThis 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.