Driving with Diabetes

Living with diabetes doesn’t have to limit your ability to drive. With proper management and some key considerations, you can navigate the roads safely and enjoy the independence that comes with it. This guide explores the essentials of driving with diabetes and how the Motability Scheme can enhance your mobility.

Can You Drive with Diabetes?

Absolutely! Many people with diabetes drive safely. However, there are some important points to remember:

Maintaining Blood Sugar Levels:

Carrying Identification:

Always keep a medical ID or wear a bracelet showing you have diabetes. This can alert others in case of an emergency and provide important information to healthcare professionals.

Consider carrying a letter from your doctor confirming your diabetes diagnosis and any specific instructions for managing it while driving.

How Does Diabetes Affect Driving?

Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar):

Symptoms like sweating, dizziness, blurred vision, and confusion can impair your driving ability. Always be prepared with fast-acting carbs like glucose tablets or juice to treat a hypo if needed.

Carry a supply of hypo treatment supplies in your car, including glucose tablets, juice, and a glucagon kit if prescribed.

If you experience a hypo while driving, pull over to a safe location, treat the hypo, and rest until your blood sugar levels stabilize before continuing.

Consider carrying a letter from your doctor confirming your diabetes diagnosis and any specific instructions for managing it while driving.

Eye Complications:

Regular diabetic eye checks are crucial. Retinopathy, a diabetes-related eye condition, can affect your vision and driving eligibility.

If you’re diagnosed with retinopathy, discuss the impact on your driving with your ophthalmologist and the DVLA. They may recommend restrictions or require regular vision tests.

Nerve Damage (Neuropathy):

This can affect sensation in your feet, making it difficult to feel the pedals properly. Report any neuropathy concerns to your doctor and the DVLA.

If you have neuropathy, consider using adaptive driving aids or modifications to your vehicle to improve your control and safety.

Regular foot care is essential for people with diabetes to prevent complications like ulcers and infections.

Driving Licence and Diabetes

• DVLA Regulations: The DVLA enforces certain restrictions for diabetic drivers. These may involve informing them of severe hypoglycaemic episodes or restrictions if you require long-term insulin treatment.
  • If you experience a severe hypo while driving, stop driving at once and inform the DVLA. They may require a medical assessment before you can resume driving.
  • Keep a record of any hypoglycaemic episodes and send it to the DVLA as required.
• Diabetic Eye Screening:
  • Temporary blurry vision may occur after a diabetic eye screening. Don’t drive until your vision returns to normal – which could take up to 6 hours.
  • Schedule regular diabetic eye screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider.
  • If your vision is affected by retinopathy, consider using adaptive driving aids or modifications to your vehicle to improve your visibility.

Car Insurance and Diabetes

People with well-managed diabetes typically don’t need to worry about increased car insurance costs. If your diabetes is controlled with diet, tablets, or non-insulin medication, you generally don’t need to notify the DVLA. However, those using insulin may receive a restricted license, which could affect insurance premiums.

Fortunately, Motability cars, often used by people with diabetes, come with comprehensive insurance included. If you’re using insulin, it’s important to inform your insurance provider about your diabetes diagnosis and any driving license restrictions.

Motability: Freedom and Support for Drivers with Diabetes

The Motability Scheme offers a fantastic option for those whose diabetes affects their mobility. Here’s how it can benefit you:

• Eligibility: If you’re over 16 (18 in Scotland) and receive a qualifying mobility allowance like PIP (Personal Independence Payment), you may be eligible for a Motability car.
  • The eligibility criteria may vary depending on your specific circumstances, so it’s important to check with the Motability Scheme for the latest information.
• Benefits: The scheme allows you to lease a car for up to three years, with insurance, servicing, and breakdown cover included. You can choose from a wide range of vehicles and even nominate additional approved drivers.
  • Motability cars often come with adaptive features to make driving easier for people with disabilities, such as hand controls or automatic gearboxes.
  • The scheme also offers a range of support services, including vehicle adaptations, insurance assistance, and breakdown cover.
  • Consider consulting with a Motability specialist to discuss your specific needs and find the best vehicle for you.

Can you get a Motability car with diabetes?

If you have diabetes and are aged 16 and over (18 in Scotland) and it affects your ability to do daily tasks or to get around, and you need extra help, you may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). People with diabetes can be eligible for a Motability car if they receive a qualifying mobility allowance and meet other eligibility criteria.

The Motability Scheme allows you to lease a car for up to three years, and the price includes insurance, servicing, and breakdown cover. You can choose from a range of cars and choose up to two people who can drive on your behalf.

Driving with diabetes is achievable with proper management and following safety guidelines. The Motability Scheme provides a valuable resource for those needing extra mobility support. Explore the possibilities and navigate the roads with confidence!

Sources

Driving and diabetes: https://www.gov.uk/diabetes-driving

Driving and Motability: https://news.motability.co.uk/motoring/the-diabetics-guide-to-safe-driving/

Diabetic eye screening: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetic-eye-screening/what-happens/