Driving license

[Pumper_Sue]

I was on 2x Janumet 1G + 50mg at the time but reduced to 1 x Janumet 1G +50mg combined tablets , I have 1 more episode before 3 years ago before diagnosed, I had rice meal for my dinner and no breakfast, I was buzzing around getting ready to go on holiday, once at airport they would not let me on aircraft until I had been checked over, the hospital checked my bloods and very low blood sugar, nothing would raise it until I ate a sandwich and then I was fine. It was my first time ever checking my blood. I did not link the two together until last November

It sounds to me as if your licence was revoked due to you having no hypo awareness. So unless you can prove you have hypo awareness then you will be kept off of the road. Which is a good thing for you and every road user.

Yes I was stopped by police but no drink or drugs were found so let me go on ambulance to hospital this is where I saw the specialists. But now medical evidence was given on on the police say so.
I have complained how they come to this evidence but still they have never contacted my G.P for how my medication was causing my low blood sugar and now its changed

The medication didn't cause your lows,

Ahh,
My licence was revoked because I was on to high a medication and my blood sugar was dropping low if I sometimes missed my breakfast. But that was in November, my medication was lowered by diabetic specialist in hospital, I had my bloods checked since lowering and between 6 to 10 peek. But what annoys me is since November the DVLA have not even checked with my G.P or my diabetic nurse, so where is there proof to revoke my licence?

it's you not eating when taking the meds as you are meant to do.

Janumet Uses, Dosage & Side Effects - Drugs.com

Janumet (metformin and sitagliptin) is used, along with diet and exercise, to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. Includes Janumet side effects, interactions and indications.

www.drugs.com

 

[abdnlad]

I now that missing a meal should drop my bloods, but when I was in hospital they actually thought I did not have diabetes but when I did stop my blood sugar spiked. I have read that one of the side effects of Janumet is low blood sugar

 

[Leadinglights]

I now that missing a meal should drop my bloods, but when I was in hospital they actually thought I did not have diabetes but when I did stop my blood sugar spiked. I have read that one of the side effects of Janumet is low blood sugar

As that is a combined medication which both encourages the pancreas to produce more insulin and helps it to be utilised more effectively in conjunction with diet, it suggests that the carbs you have be spaced out evenly in the day so by not having breakfast you could risk low blood glucose levels. I hope you have a blood glucose monitor so you can test before driving and indeed anytime when you feel unwell.

 

[abdnlad]

Yes I was given a monitor at the start, but after the second episode they gave me a second monitor for my car before I drive, but so far no use yet

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Yes I was given a monitor at the start, but after the second episode they gave me a second monitor for my car before I drive, but so far no use yet

The point is you did not know you were hypo, so it is illegal to drive being hypo unaware and until you can prove you know and recognise hypo symptoms then you will not be able to hold a driving licence.
You should not have to use a meter or sensor to tell you that you are hypo.

 

[abdnlad]

No I must admit I did not know I was hypo. It started going for my booster Covid jab but got lost and had forgot my mobile and kept searching around and around until I was truly lost. I usually don't drive myself because of other medical conditions but this day I did because my wife had just worked a night shift

 

[Pumper_Sue]

No I must admit I did not know I was hypo. It started going for my booster Covid jab but got lost and had forgot my mobile and kept searching around and around until I was truly lost. I usually don't drive myself because of other medical conditions but this day I did because my wife had just worked a night shift

Well there you go then, you wont get your driving licence back until you can prove you are hypo aware and know the symptoms of a hypo.
Once you can prove this is the case then you can apply for reinstatement of your licence, don't hold your breath though.

 

[abdnlad]

I can say now that I do know but was unaware at that time, as I have stated that I have other medical problems anxiety and depression that can't be medically controlled. So when I realised I was lost, I tried to find my mobile then I started to panic, because I was all alone, then I just tried to find the covid site but at that time I thought I was having panic attack, to me it just seemed a vicious cycle. What I have not said was that when I did get to A&E my bloods were fine, the police just assumed, this is where I ask where did the DVLA get there medical evidence. What I did find out is that I have a underactive thyroid (still to be treated) 8 months on

 

[Pumper_Sue]

I can say now that I do know but was unaware at that time, as I have stated that I have other medical problems anxiety and depression that can't be medically controlled. So when I realised I was lost, I tried to find my mobile then I started to panic, because I was all alone, then I just tried to find the covid site but at that time I thought I was having panic attack, to me it just seemed a vicious cycle. What I have not said was that when I did get to A&E my bloods were fine, the police just assumed, this is where I ask where did the DVLA get there medical evidence. What I did find out is that I have a underactive thyroid (still to be treated) 8 months on

So have you actually had a letter to say why your licence was withdrawn?

 

[abdnlad]

I first got a letter stating they had information from the police and would I like to surrender my licence until the outcome, I was under the impression they would be talking with my go straight away, so I replied no I will hold no to it. Then I got another letter saying they revoked my licence, but what medical grounds. I have asked someone to look at my medical records an no one from the DVLA has contacted the hospital, I asked my gp they have not been contacted either, so when did the police have medical degree’s?

 

[abdnlad]

They did come to the A&E with me to see my blood sugar levels, they were taken twice wrote that down and left, they were slightly raised for me but no to much one test was in the 9’s and other was in the 8’s

 

[mikeyB]

The police need no evidence other than that you were admitted to the hospital, the cause being diabetes, and presumably this is why you were pulled up. That would lead to an instant revocation of your driving licence, and they are obliged to tell the DVLA. Your letter from the DVLA results from that. They don't need a medical degree to establish that you were unfit to drive, and it makes no difference what your BG levels were after the event.

Driving without a valid licence can result in a custodial sentence, and these days, their automatic number plate recognition system would flag you up as a disqualified driver, you are easier to catch if you do drive. Your insurance no longer covers you because of the the revoked licence. It is the charge of of driving without a licence and without insurance ups the sentence on the crime, which at the very least would result in disqualification for at least a year, so it's not worth the risk of going to the local shop for a loaf of bread.

From now, it's entirely up you to get your licence back, with support from your GP and the hospital. And you will need three months of regular blood testing at least twice a day to do it. Doesn't matter if you go hypo as long as you can recognise what is happening and don't need anyone to help you to correct it.

 

[rebrascora]

So, you had an episode in Nov when you admit that you got confused whilst driving and had skipped a meal earlier and as a result you believe your BG levels dropped but you didn't stop and test yourself.... Do you even have a testing kit and if you so, how frequently do you use it?
You were stopped by the police, presumably because you were driving erratically and they assumed drink or drugs initially and then called an ambulance for you when you explained that you were diabetic. They have then informed DVLA of the incident and your license has been revoked which seems reasonable to me because you were driving whilst unfit.

The question now is how you go about getting it back and it seems like you need to initiate that so no point in waiting for it to turn up. You will need to start gathering evidence as to why you are now fit to drive. I am not entirely sure how you do that but I guess the first step may be to visit your GP and start regularly testing your BG levels.

 

[abdnlad]

I have had a BG monitor since day 1 of diagnosis, and test daily usually between 6 and 8 especially since I reduced my medication. I only got my second monitor in Nov from the diabetic specialist's. I never did tell the police anything, it was what the ambulance persons thought but my tests when done in A&E were actually in the 8's & 9's. I have been gathering evidence, and reapplied for my licence end of Jan when I go the revoke letter in, I was so mad because the specialist's thought I was not diabetic and even told me to stop testing and taking my medication, they never took any medical advice just none except the police word.
So tell me the whole board if the police told you to up your medication but the specialist to you to reduce it, WHO WOULD YOU BELIEVE???
I have been a member of this forum for a few years because of my wife is diabetic and wanted to find out about it but now I am diabetic and looking for help, but you treat me as I am guilty of hanging kittens
I don't get out because of anxiety & depression not even past the front or back doors without my wife, all I wanted was advice and help on how to get my licence back, not a whipping I can manage to do that to myself daily

 

[rebrascora]

I am sorry you feel like you are being blamed or victimized here. I think the difficulty may be that you have given us information about your situation in dribs and drabs so it has been challenging to fully understand the situation and that was why I was trying to summarize things to see if I had picked it up correctly.
Who called the ambulance? Are you disputing that you needed it and why were you taken to hospital if you didn't need to go? I imagine that would be a decision made by the ambulance crew. Did you actually have an accident or were you just stopped by police? They must have had a reason and you seemed to confirm that you were confused. I read your post and it sounded like you accepted that your levels were probably low or thought they might be, because you hadn't had breakfast. Your liver can bring your levels back up so the fact you were higher at the hospital doesn't rule out you having had a hypo. The police are able to say if your driving was erratic or you weren't in proper control of a vehicle and you were unfit to drive and if it wasn't through alcohol or illegal drugs, then a medical condition or medication for it would be a possible cause and they recommend your license is suspended until that has been investigated and you are determined fit and safe to drive again.

So tell me the whole board if the police told you to up your medication but the specialist to you to reduce it, WHO WOULD YOU BELIEVE???

The police are not making any recommendation about your medication, just that you were unfit to drive when they stopped you.... and yes they are qualified to make that decision, that you were unfit to drive. They are not qualified to make any assessment of your medication.

Did you start collecting the evidence in January and you have submitted it but now just awaiting DVLA processing it. Unfortunately that sort of process seems to be taking a lot longer than the straightforward renewals and all you can do is keep chasing them up or try contacting your MP to see if they can chase it up for you. I hope you get it sorted out soon.

 

[abdnlad]

What happened I drove into a crescent because I was lost. I was a bit confused, very dehydrated, and the police followed me in. I believe the police called the ambulance, I was tested for drink and drugs which came back negative, they were sure I was under some sore of substance, I was handcuffed but released when I was reported missing and suicide risk. What happened next was some of the neighbours came out to help gave me food and water. A paramedic arrived first as they were just around the corner, they took my blood sugar and stats which all was ok. The ambulance arrived a short time later they said said I did not need to go to hospital but advised just in case.
Next day after sitting 18hrs in A&E, I book an appointment ASAP with my GP and my diabetic nurse, so I could get everything sorted out, I just reduced my med to 1 tablet because as I stated earlier I did stop all but my blood sugar spiked. I had both appointments by end of December 2021.
But since reducing to 1 tablet my blood sugar has been perfect, Maybe I should have reduced to 1 tab first before stopping? only if I could exercise outside, this is my problem, as I said before there is more that one problem, I have my mental issues, Catch 22. Having my licence did give me some sort of freedom with my wife, but all i see now is 4 walls that feels like a 3 year prison sentence because of Covid that keeps getting longer.
By end of January I go the letter for DVLA saying they revoked my licence
As applied for a new licence beginning of February and recieved my proof of who I am in the post with a letter stating my licence will follow in two weeks. But may be up to 8 weeks if they need to contact my GP.
So 8 weeks passed then 10 weeks,
I decided to contact DVLA and my GP and found out that at no point had the DVLA tried to make any contact with my GP or my hospital records. I made a complaint this really went no where, I contacted my local MP, but I have found that he returns his he emails about 2-3 weeks later asking for more info, why not all at once?
I can't think of anything else

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Reading all that you have written I would suspect your licence has been pulled due to your mental health issues as some of what you stated prohibits you from holding a licence.

 

[rebrascora]

What happened I drove into a crescent because I was lost. I was a bit confused, very dehydrated, and the police followed me in. I believe the police called the ambulance, I was tested for drink and drugs which came back negative, they were sure I was under some sore of substance, I was handcuffed but released when I was reported missing and suicide risk. What happened next was some of the neighbours came out to help gave me food and water. A paramedic arrived first as they were just around the corner, they took my blood sugar and stats which all was ok. The ambulance arrived a short time later they said said I did not need to go to hospital but advised just in case.
Next day after sitting 18hrs in A&E, I book an appointment ASAP with my GP and my diabetic nurse, so I could get everything sorted out, I just reduced my med to 1 tablet because as I stated earlier I did stop all but my blood sugar spiked. I had both appointments by end of December 2021.
But since reducing to 1 tablet my blood sugar has been perfect, Maybe I should have reduced to 1 tab first before stopping? only if I could exercise outside, this is my problem, as I said before there is more that one problem, I have my mental issues, Catch 22. Having my licence did give me some sort of freedom with my wife, but all i see now is 4 walls that feels like a 3 year prison sentence because of Covid that keeps getting longer.
By end of January I go the letter for DVLA saying they revoked my licence
As applied for a new licence beginning of February and recieved my proof of who I am in the post with a letter stating my licence will follow in two weeks. But may be up to 8 weeks if they need to contact my GP.
So 8 weeks passed then 10 weeks,
I decided to contact DVLA and my GP and found out that at no point had the DVLA tried to make any contact with my GP or my hospital records. I made a complaint this really went no where, I contacted my local MP, but I have found that he returns his he emails about 2-3 weeks later asking for more info, why not all at once?
I can't think of anything else

Ok that paints a clearer picture thanks. The police are still within their rights to inform DVLA that you were unfit to drive at the time and you have admitted to us yourself that you were not feeling right.
I can understand that this has affected your sense of independence and mental health (I know I would be really stressed by such a situation) and during Covid, mental health problems have been aggravated and minimal support for them, but that is not something any of us can do anything about.
You say that you have reapplied for your license and confirmed your identity and are awaiting a response but that this was Jan. There is a long slow backlog of non standard renewals (which yours will be due to that revocation) and I imagine they may be giving priority to people like HGV and PSV drivers whose livelihood depends on it, but even those are experiencing long delays and I think @Pumper_Sue has been waiting 8 months, so it is unfortunately just something that will happen when it happens, but certainly keep chasing them up and applying pressure through your MP.
I would expect that they will need to get in touch with your GP first to ask their opinion on your fitness to drive and your GP will most likely contact you in order to discuss this with you. I know with HGV and PSV drivers they have to produce 3 months of evidence in the form of logs of BG readings, that they are testing regularly and fit to drive and submit their BG meter for examination but I would imagine that if your GP is comfortable with making a decision based on their knowledge of you and your recent health, they might not need any evidence from you if they know you well enough and have regular contact.... but if they do need evidence, then it would be important to be able to produce that to them straight away to prevent further delay, so do keep good records of your daily testing and make sure your BG meter is showing the correct time and date because if it isn't correct that means your evidence is less credible. For those of us on insulin we must ensure that it shows the correct time and date because we have to test before we drive and every 2 hours after and be able to prove that we were following those rules when we took to the road. If the time and/or date are wrong and we had an accident or got stopped, we don't have proof that we tested at the appropriate time. I know it seems like a lot of faff but keeping on the right side of the law and making it clear that you are doing your utmost to show that you are now fit to drive, will go a long way towards getting your license back.

I hope they get in touch with your GP soon and that the process goes smoothly from there but unfortunately you are one of many in limbo and at least your wife is able to drive. Some people are stranded out in rural locations on their own with no means of transport and others are unable to earn a living because of the delays. It is not right but is isn't going to suddenly get fixed, so the best you can do is keep chasing it up and have evidence of your BG readings over a good period of time ready in case your GP needs that info.

You should be aware that saying your levels are between 6 and 8 does not really mean anything if you test just once of twice a day at a set time. BG levels can drop from15 to 3 in less than an hour for some people depending upon what they ate and medication and the time of day and what they have been doing activity or exercise wise. It is good that you are seeing pretty consistent results though even if you are only testing on a morning before breakfast.

 

[mikeyB]

I agree with @Pumper_Sue. If you are saying it's nothing to do with your diabetes, then your state of confusion and dehydration, and obviously in a state where you were unfit to drive. If that's what you are claiming, then you are unfit to drive until the whole episode is investigated,

In that case, you will not get get your licence back until there is a clear diagnosis of the confusion and dehydration. And it guarantees that you will not get your licence back for 12 months without any recurrence of similar symptoms. Even if you admit it may have been a hypo, it's still, quite rightly, a ban until you can demonstrate that your diabetes is under control, and you test as I've described before.

That said, you tell us that you have mental health issues. I don't want you to describe those those in detail, that's personal. But if you are on any medication for those problems, they may make you unfit to drive. Many drugs - even hay fever and pain relivers, and other over the counter drugs, have the warning that "May cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or operate machinery". That applies to many prescribed drugs, including one I take. If it might be one of your other treatments that was the cause, then as @Pumper_Sue says, you are unfit to drive at all, never mind temporarily.

I was stopped from driving for 12 months because i had a grand mal epileptic fit in the middle of Tesco, cutting my head on the bacon counter, coming round in the ambulance. Now because complete records weren't kept, although I knew it was a hypo, the ban went ahead and i was subjected to all the tests that new epileptic folks get. Even when I had a driving licence, at renewal, I had to fill in the epilepsy form. in that 12 months i didn't stop working, my job being 28 miles away. So don't moan about not having a driving licence, it's just a change of way of life. It doesn't lock you into your home.

 

[abdnlad]

So don't moan about not having a driving licence, it's just a change of way of life. It doesn't lock you into your home.

I have never MOANED about my situation all I wanted was help. I have been locked in my home for years long before the police pulled me over. I am locked in because of my mental issues. People like you give honest people of this board a bad name