Hi newbie here

[rebrascora]

Valid for driving ?

I don't believe that you are using glucose lowering medication like insulin or Gliclazide, but if you were, then testing before driving is a requirement... certainly with insulin.... and DVLA will accept testing with Libre but that may only be valid if the device is used according to manufacturers instructions, so if your Libre was on your chest, you might be in breach of the manufacturer's instructions and if you had an accident, your insurance might be invalid.

 

[nonethewiser]

Does anyone fit libre sensors on their chest ? I know Abbott say only the arm , but I’ve found a lot of people using different positions …

Used chest quire a few times, found site is as accurate as using arms.

 

[Pr08rad]

I don't believe that you are using glucose lowering medication like insulin or Gliclazide, but if you were, then testing before driving is a requirement... certainly with insulin.... and DVLA will accept testing with Libre but that may only be valid if the device is used according to manufacturers instructions, so if your Libre was on your chest, you might be in breach of the manufacturer's instructions and if you had an accident, your insurance might be invalid.

I am on gliclazide and Humulin …. Never been told anything about driving and testing …. I’m type 2 if it makes a difference ?

 

[Leadinglights]

I am on gliclazide and Humulin …. Never been told anything about driving and testing …. I’m type 2 if it makes a difference ?

It doesn't matter whether you are Type 1, Type2 or whatever, you still need to inform the DVLA if on insulin and be testing prior to driving.

 

[rebrascora]

I am on gliclazide and Humulin …. Never been told anything about driving and testing …. I’m type 2 if it makes a difference ?

WHAT!! Type makes no difference at all. You need to inform DVLA and you will be issued with a temporary 3yr medical licence and you need to inform your insurance company, although it should not affect your premium. Most importantly, you need to be testing before you drive and if the journey is longer than 2 hours, then every 2 hours and your levels need to be above 5 to drive, but if you are between 4 and 5 you can eat some carbs and drive straight away. If you are below 4 then you are effectively grounded for at least an hour..... it takes at least 15 mins for your retest after hypo treatment plus the 45mins mandatory recovery time. You should also be carrying emergency carbs in the car and a BG meter as well as Libre.

Your Dr or nurse should have made you aware of this situation when you were started on insulin. I wonder what elese they have omitted to tell you? Do you know the rule of 15 for treating hypos? ie if your levels are below 4 then it is advised to eat 15g carbs which is about 3 jelly babies of 4-5 dextrose tablets, wait 15 mins and retest with a finger prick.

Have they sorted you out with a medical exemption certificate so that you don't pay for your prescriptions as that is another thing that can be overlooked.

 

[Leadinglights]

Check this out for the rules

Diabetes and driving

You may need to tell DVLA if you have diabetes, depending on the treatment you're getting

www.gov.uk

 

[Pr08rad]

I’m already exempt on nhs prescriptions . But no one has ever mentioned these driving rules . My levels never dip below 6 so haven’t had to worry about counteracting lows

 

[Pr08rad]

Check this out for the rules

Diabetes and driving

You may need to tell DVLA if you have diabetes, depending on the treatment you're getting

www.gov.uk

I’m only just on Humulin 3 weeks now . And unsure. If it’s a full term thing . But I will check with the nurse why no one has mentioned this in the past

 

[Leadinglights]

I’m already exempt on nhs prescriptions . But no one has ever mentioned these driving rules . My levels never dip below 6 so haven’t had to worry about counteracting lows

It is rather negligent by your surgery not to have informed you about those rules which are pretty strict.

 

[grovesy]

Gliclazide can cause hypos, when I was started on it I was warned about and given a leaflet. That was at least 10 years ago.

 

[rebrascora]

I’m already exempt on nhs prescriptions . But no one has ever mentioned these driving rules . My levels never dip below 6 so haven’t had to worry about counteracting lows

Please don't get lulled into a false sense of security re hypos because they will catch you unawares when you least expect it. Always be prepared with hypo treatments readily to hand, especially when out of the house and by the bed at night.

I think there may be a dispensation re DVLA for short term insulin usage with surrendering your licence, but I believe you should still be testing before driving and every 2 hours during the journey thereafter and carrying hypo treatment of course.

 

[Lucyr]

Valid for driving ?

As you take insulin I assume if you drive that you’ve contacted the DVLA to apply for a restricted licence and fully read the rules and requirements around testing bg before and during driving, and when you can use a libre and when you need to fingerprick? If not make sure you do this ASAP as you aren’t driving legally if you’ve not informed the DVLA

 

[Pr08rad]

As you take insulin I assume if you drive that you’ve contacted the DVLA to apply for a restricted licence and fully read the rules and requirements around testing bg before and during driving, and when you can use a libre and when you need to fingerprick? If not make sure you do this ASAP as you aren’t driving legally if you’ve not informed the DVLA

I’m on Humulin only been taking it once a day 3 weeks now . The nurse has never mentioned anything so I haven’t even thought or known to ring dvla . I’ll check with the nurse as to how long I’m expected on these current meds and see what she advises . Her impression was that the libre does away with the real need for finger prick test ?

 

[Lucyr]

Sorry I didn’t see the posts in between. I wouldn’t drive again until you’ve submitted the application for a restricted licence, since your insurance and licence arent valid now you’re on insulin. You will also need to inform your car insurance that your licence has changed to a 3 year restricted licence. Not being aware of the rules is not an acceptable reason to drive without valid licence or insurance, and the penalties of doing so arent worth the risk.

Once you’ve applied for the restricted licence you can drive whilst you wait for it to come through, unless you have reason to expect you’ll be declined. This applies only for driving a car, if you drive something else you’ll need to look into that.

Make sure your medical exemption card is up to date too if your surgery isn’t filling you in on these things. That is only valid for 5 years and you cannot claim medical exemption unless you have an in date card.

 

[Lucyr]

I’m on Humulin only been taking it once a day 3 weeks now . The nurse has never mentioned anything so I haven’t even thought or known to ring dvla . I’ll check with the nurse as to how long I’m expected on these current meds and see what she advises . Her impression was that the libre does away with the real need for finger prick test ?

You will still need to fingerprick in certain circumstances. As my second post explains, I wouldn’t drive again until you’ve filled in the application, rang your car insurance provider to change to medical restricted licence, and educated yourself about the driving rules. Eg you must always carry the fingerprick meter with you when driving.

 

[Leadinglights]

I’m on Humulin only been taking it once a day 3 weeks now . The nurse has never mentioned anything so I haven’t even thought or known to ring dvla . I’ll check with the nurse as to how long I’m expected on these current meds and see what she advises . Her impression was that the libre does away with the real need for finger prick test ?

If you drive then you need to inform yourself of the rules and regulations, your insurance may be invalid and it would be no excuse that your nurse didn't tell you.
Early days on insulin anything could happen.

 

[Pr08rad]

 

[Pr08rad]

This says if my insulin treatment lasts longer than 3 months. ….. I should notify dvla , it may not do ….?
I know ignorance is not an excuse , I think I’ll look into more and seek a bit more advice .

 

[Pr08rad]

If you drive then you need to inform yourself of the rules and regulations, your insurance may be invalid and it would be no excuse that your nurse didn't tell you.
Early days on insulin anything could happen.

I’ve never heard of these rules , how would I know what’s expected of me ? every day I feel 100% in myself no lows no highs . Diabetes is a side affect of other meds . Something that I was just given one more tablet to take daily .
I will of course now look into things a little deeper , but if the medical professionals don’t tell me , why would I check .

 

[rebrascora]

Yes, I thought there was a short term exemption but I am pretty sure you still need to be testing before you drive etc and carrying a BG meter in the car and if you are low, following the guidance.