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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
  

For collaboration, partnerships, or press enquiries: John Pemberton — [email protected]

For creative, social, and production enquiries: Anjanee Kohli — [email protected]

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