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New here

J

jagdriver52

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi all,
Wanted to introduce myself. I'm Paul, I've been a t2 for 2 years, recently got worse and put on extra medication. I also drive class1 lorries, that's a nightmare with dvla.
I look forward to giving and receiving advice
 
Welcome @jagdriver52, glad you found us. I'm sure you will receive the support you're looking for here. Feel free to ask any question, no matter how big or small it may seem. If you don't mind sharing, what was your recent blood test results and what medication are you now taking? 🙂
 
jagdriver52 said:
Hi all,
Wanted to introduce myself. I'm Paul, I've been a t2 for 2 years, recently got worse and put on extra medication. I also drive class1 lorries, that's a nightmare with dvla.
I look forward to giving and receiving advice
Click to expand...
What particular problems are you having with the DVLA as they do seem to be behind the times in accepting blood glucose data from modern technology. But I suppose they have to ensure people are safe so impose quite strict rules.
How do you manage your condition and is it the extra medication that is causing issues with the DVLA. Can you do any more on the diet front.
 
Leadinglights said:
What particular problems are you having with the DVLA as they do seem to be behind the times in accepting blood glucose data from modern technology. But I suppose they have to ensure people are safe so impose quite strict rules.
Click to expand...
@Leadinglights, without wanting to be contentious or offend in any way - I think DVLA have a couple of poorly written rules, leading to ambiguity in interpretations. But I don't think they are behind the times in accepting BG data from modern tech such as CGM.

Neither Libre 2 nor Dexcom One (original) can yet be claimed as totally trustworthy to become an alternative means of ensuring drivers are safe enough to leave certainty about someone not going hypo.
 
Proud to be erratic said:
@Leadinglights, without wanting to be contentious or offend in any way - I think DVLA have a couple of poorly written rules, leading to ambiguity in interpretations. But I don't think they are behind the times in accepting BG data from modern tech such as CGM.

Neither Libre 2 nor Dexcom One (original) can yet be claimed as totally trustworthy to become an alternative means of ensuring drivers are safe enough to leave certainty about someone not going hypo.
Click to expand...
But surely 6 weeks worth of CGM data would be more indicative of good diabetes management than 2 finger pricks per day.
I was not meaning as the check before driving but as the evidence require to grant a licence.
 
Thanks for replies. My last blood test was 83. I'm now on metformin and gliclazide.
Problem with dvla is I'm not allowed to drive large vehicles until they are satisfied that I can control my diabetes and even then while driving I'm required to stop and check my sugar level every 2 hours, it's a nuisance but better to be safe I guess
 
Leadinglights said:
But surely 6 weeks worth of CGM data would be more indicative of good diabetes management than 2 finger pricks per day.
I was not meaning as the check before driving but as the evidence require to grant a licence.
Click to expand...
I understand your logic. But interpretation of that CGM data needs is best done by an HCP with relevant specific knowledge of diabetes. That is achieved anyway with the requirement by DVLA for the application to be supported by eye test results and a report from a GP. So, in my mind the only thing would be to replace fps with CGM, where available. But I think this could open up a hornet's nest. In the final analysis DVLA needs a tight set of straightforward criteria to be met and strong HCP support, since DVLA are poorly placed to make unilateral medical judgements.

Incidentally, even though I have finally got much improved BG stability from my G7 sensor, I still get graphs with considerable Glycaemic Variability and several recorded hypos, which are false and not supported by my fps. I think a layman looking at just my CGM graphs could easily conclude my car driving licence is medically dubious with the amount of red below the 4.0 line. I am not aware of how many "CGM recorded hypos" the DVLA would sanction before withdrawing anyone's licence or suspending it, pending further investigation and medical reports.

I don't know (I haven't looked) how fp results need to be recorded and how these are made available to DVLA. My meter can relay my fp results to Abbott and Libre by bluetooth, but don't seem to be captured by Dexcom. When transmitted they are inclusive of all results, including erroneous ones (eg dirty fingers etc) and can't be edited to remove false results. But I don't know how to make such fp results available to DVLA, other than pen and paper!

.
 
jagdriver52 said:
Problem with dvla is I'm not allowed to drive large vehicles until they are satisfied that I can control my diabetes and even then while driving I'm required to stop and check my sugar level every 2 hours, it's a nuisance but better to be safe I guess
Click to expand...

Welcome to the forum @jagdriver52

Hope you are able to get your data together for a successful reinstatement of your larger vehicle license.

Yep, the 2hr check can feel like a bit of a faff, especially where opportunities to stop and check may be inconveniently spaced (on motorways etc). But personally I’m very pleased the guidance exists that I have to check every couple of hours. Diabetes can be a fiend for behaving differently on days even though you do exactly the same things (because so many factors other than food, medication and level of activity can affect BG levels).

Plus I tend to find that the concentration when driving acts a little like exercise for me, and I have to reduce my insulin doses to stay level vs what I’d need if I were just sat at home.
 
Proud to be erratic said:
But I don't think they are behind the times in accepting BG data from modern tech such as CGM.
Click to expand...
The DVLA are certainly not up on modern tech.
I recently had to update my photo on my license.
Although I can apply for a passport online using a photo taken with a mobile phone, the DVLA still insists upon a physical photograph from a photo booth.

I appreciate this is not unique for people with diabetes and is not what you were referring to with regards to CGMs but as it affects everyone with a driving license regardless of category or medical conditions, you would think it would be more of a priority.
Sadly I think it is an indication of the struggles they are under and something like usage of CGMs for for minorities like people with diabetes is going to be longer down the list of priorities.

On a positive note, they turned my new license around within a couple of weeks and it included the "diabetes renewal" as well as the photo.

(Apologies for the tangential post.)
 
I probably could/should have said "But I don't think they are behind the times in not accepting BG data from modern tech such as CGM".

I have no problems with your tangential post to my remarks, @helli. I find various parts of You Gov are woefully adrift, despite the strident clamours to reach out to to Gov't Dep'ts online - when things then generally become difficult to reach into.
 
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