Diabetes driving regulations face reassessment

The government is considering reassessing restrictions on the driving license entitlements on people with Type 2 diabetes.

The announcement follows new research, published by the Department of Transport, which suggested that people with type 2 diabetes who use insulin in the short-term were no more likely to suffer any problems which could impair driving than those who controlled the condition with tablets.

The research examined the rate of low glucose (hypoglycaemic) events in people with different types of diabetes and will now go for further analysis to verify its findings.

Currently, people who inject insulin in order to control their blood sugar are not entitled to hold lorry or bus licenses. This is mainly because a drop in blood sugar can affect eyesight and speed of thought and recognition, even leading to loss of consciousness in extreme cases.

However, the research also showed that when insulin was used over the longer term, the rate of low blood glucose events began to increase, rising to a similar level of risk to that in Type 1 diabetes in five years.

Commenting on the research, Road Safety Minister Stephen Ladyman said: "This is interesting research which we will need to consider carefully. We plan to get the research peer reviewed to check the validity of the findings as there are potentially serious implications for driving licence entitlement.

"As a result of that review we will assess whether any changes to licence restrictions may be necessary."

The Secretary of State's Medical Advisory Panel on Diabetes and Driving will consider the results of the research.

A European Commission medical expert working group, which has also been considering the minimum medical standards for diabetes and driving, is also due to report shortly.

The UK panel is likely to await the recommendations of this investigation before advising on any changes to driver licensing arrangements in the UK.

(KMcA)