Driving question

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Emmal31

Emmal31

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hi

I just wanted to ask a quick question about driving and levels. I was going swimming the other night and I did my blood test 10 minutes before I was due to leave and I was at 4.8 so I had an orange juice waited 5 minutes and it was at 4.5 so I waited another 5 minutes and it was 4.2 so thought right I'll have a coke and biscuit because the orange juice didn't seem to do anything.

Question is I know that were not allowed to drive legally if it's below 5 but if it's been below 5 but you've NOT had a hypo within an hour of getting in the car is that allowed so to speak legally? I've never thought about that situation happening because I haven't had it happen before. I managed to get hold of my friend who I go swimming with because she was running late so she came and picked me up.

Thank you.
 
Legally, I don't think it's allowed.

Perhapse it's better to have your fast actiing carb along with something that is slow releasing.

Works for me after excercise.
 
I'm not sure if it's actually against the law, but would be seen as reckless I would imagine.

I always think, if I'm above 5 and confident I'm rising and/or stable, then I'm ok. After exercise, you can drop a lot and quickly but a can of coke should see you right for a while.

Better to err on the safe side if you have a choice. My girlfriend drives if I'm not sure.

ROb
 
It doesn't make any difference whatsoever if you have had a hypo or not, the law states that you must be 5 and above before getting behind the wheel of a car. You did well holding off and being sensible enough to get a lift instead when your bg failed to rise above 5, the consequences of driving when low are to horrific to contemplate, and the DVLA take a very dim view of those that do break the law.
 
toby said:
It doesn't make any difference whatsoever if you have had a hypo or not, the law states that you must be 5 and above before getting behind the wheel of a car. You did well holding off and being sensible enough to get a lift instead when your bg failed to rise above 5, the consequences of driving when low are to horrific to contemplate, and the DVLA take a very dim view of those that do break the law.
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I am not sure that is true, if it is then the DVLA need to update their advice leaflet, as it clearly says if below 5 (but is referring to the 4.1 to 5 range if you read the whole thing) have a snack before driving. It does not say anywhere that you then need to wait and retest. The only specific information on not driving for a period of time is on recovery from a hypo - where you must wait 45 minutes from the point you know you are no longer hypo.
 
toby said:
It doesn't make any difference whatsoever if you have had a hypo or not, the law states that you must be 5 and above before getting behind the wheel of a car. You did well holding off and being sensible enough to get a lift instead when your bg failed to rise above 5, the consequences of driving when low are to horrific to contemplate, and the DVLA take a very dim view of those that do break the law.
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Yes that is why I didn't. what my question asks is can I drive if my blood sugar has been below 5 and I get it above 5 in less than an hour can I still drive or do the same rules apply as if I had had a hypo?
 
margie said:
I am not sure that is true, if it is then the DVLA need to update their advice leaflet, as it clearly says if below 5 (but is referring to the 4.1 to 5 range if you read the whole thing) have a snack before driving. It does not say anywhere that you then need to wait and retest. The only specific information on not driving for a period of time is on recovery from a hypo - where you must wait 45 minutes from the point you know you are no longer hypo.
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Yes thank you margie that's what I was trying to say because I didn't have a hypo so if I had driven when it had come back up past 5 would that be legal or not?
 
Obviously if I didn't feel good after a reading of 4 something then I wouldn't drive until I did but if I did feel fine then it would be good to know whether I can drive then or I have to wait an hour.
 
5 mmol/l is only a advisory figure not law

The only legal figure for blood glucose levels is the medical definition of an hypo, blood glucose levels below 3.9 mmol/l or under...

5 mmol/l can not he a legal requirement due to the fact it would be an unfair discrimination as most drivers would if tested have blood glucose levels in the 4's and diabetics can safely function with in the 4's without problems...

Also there's no legal requirement to reframe from driving for an hour, again this is only advisory information to enable the diabetic driver make safer choices...

Your actual legal requirement, is to maintain sugar levels above for, have hypo awareness so that you can pull over if you that your blood glucose may be hitting hypo land, and that if you have suffered a hypo then you don't not either proceed with your journey or start to drive, until you have fully recovered, your levels and ability to concetrate have returned to normal...
 
Ellie Jones said:
5 mmol/l is only a advisory figure not law

The only legal figure for blood glucose levels is the medical definition of an hypo, blood glucose levels below 3.9 mmol/l or under...

5 mmol/l can not he a legal requirement due to the fact it would be an unfair discrimination as most drivers would if tested have blood glucose levels in the 4's and diabetics can safely function with in the 4's without problems...

Also there's no legal requirement to reframe from driving for an hour, again this is only advisory information to enable the diabetic driver make safer choices...

Your actual legal requirement, is to maintain sugar levels above for, have hypo awareness so that you can pull over if you that your blood glucose may be hitting hypo land, and that if you have suffered a hypo then you don't not either proceed with your journey or start to drive, until you have fully recovered, your levels and ability to concetrate have returned to normal...
Click to expand...

This was my understanding also.

Now I don't drive a car but I am a motorcyclist and I tend to aim for a BG of around 6 before riding but thats just my comfort zone so to speak. 🙂
 
I never knew that it is advised to wait 45 minutes after treating a hypo before driving.

I tested my BS before driving to work today and it was 3.9 so I had a snack and then drove to work just after, knowing that my BS would be rising. If I feel hypo then I do not drive until I feel well and if I notice signs at the wheel then I pull over but today I felt fine, so treated and went on my way.

Interesting to know though.
 
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