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

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Guest: 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 Overview
Driving 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 Takeaways

• 5 to drive: ≥5.0 mmol/L
• 4.0–4.9 mmol/L: snack, then drive
• <4.0 mmol/L: treat → confirm >5.0 → wait 45 minutes once above 5
• Check every ≤2 hours — each check “expires” like a parking ticket
• Group 1 drivers: CGM or finger-prick both accepted
• Group 2 drivers: finger-prick only (until law changes)
• Severe hypos: two daytime events in 12 months → you must self-declare
• Responsibility lies with the driver, not your clinician

Resources and Further Reading

Visit The Glucose Never Lies — Episode 16 to access:

• DVLA INF294 — Insulin-treated diabetes and driving (official guidance)
  
  
• NHS England guidance on approved blood glucose meters
  
  
• DSN Forum CGM Accuracy Comparison Chart
  
  
• CGM 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 audio

Disclaimer

It 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 Choudhary