Type 1 NOT Type 2

[Ratbag]

I've just found out I have type 1 diabetes? What are the differences? Anything different? Is there anything I need to know? Do I need to tell the DVLA?

 

[helli]

The Learning zone is very good in describing the difference between the types of diabetes.
Regarding treatment, for Type 1, it is insulin and, should be carb counting to adjust insulin doses.

Anyone on any blood sugar lowering medication (e.g. insulin), must tell DVLA regardless of whether they have Type 1 or type 2.

 

[Felinia]

Hi
DVLA are currently in chaos (COVID and strikes) and I've been waiting weeks for my new licence. They will require you to have certain tests including vision. I suggest you research Section 88 of The Road Traffic Act 1988. In the meantime, I have had to get written permission from my GP to continue driving whilst DVLA sort themselves out - it lasts a year whilst you are being processed. Best wishes

 

[helli]

They will require you to have certain tests including vision.

I have never had vision tests specified by DVLA

 

[Ratbag]

The Learning zone is very good in describing the difference between the types of diabetes.
Regarding treatment, for Type 1, it is insulin and, should be carb counting to adjust insulin doses.

Anyone on any blood sugar lowering medication (e.g. insulin), must tell DVLA regardless of whether they have Type 1 or type 2.

I was on insulin anyway so do I still need update DVLA RE Type 1 or 2?

 

[silentsquirrel]

I have never had vision tests specified by DVLA

No, nor have I. (T2 on insulin) I think the vision tests are only if you are on a PSV or HGV licence, or if you have had eg eye laser treatment?

I think you are already on insulin, so should already have informed DVLA when that started. Change of diagnosis makes no difference.

 

[silentsquirrel]

I was on insulin anyway so do I still need update DVLA RE Type 1 or 2?

Posts crossed! You can inform them to cover your self, but it will make no difference to your restricted licence.

 

[Felinia]

I have never had vision tests specified by DVLA

I did - they required me to go to their nominated Optometrist in my area for a visual acuity test. Perhaps it was because I also have glaucoma, although that wasn't made clear to me at the time. I was told I would have to be tested at each renewal time.

 

[Inka]

I was on insulin anyway so do I still need update DVLA RE Type 1 or 2?

Im not sure but I’d tell your insurance company. It’s always best to keep them up to date, if only so they can’t wriggle out of covering you in the event of an accident.

 

[Inka]

I've just found out I have type 1 diabetes? What are the differences? Anything different? Is there anything I need to know? Do I need to tell the DVLA?

Basically Type 1 is an auto-immune condition where your own immune system has destroyed the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Here’s some info about the differences:


https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/differences-between-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes

Here’s some basics about Type 1:

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/type-1-diabetes



.

 

[silentsquirrel]

I did - they required me to go to their nominated Optometrist in my area for a visual acuity test. Perhaps it was because I also have glaucoma, although that wasn't made clear to me at the time. I was told I would have to be tested at each renewal time.

Were you on insulin, or possibly gliclazide, previously? If not, very likely the glaucoma then.

 

[Ljc]

As you have now been diagnosed with T1 , you may eventually be allowed a Libre in prescription.
Their are certain criteria to be entitled to one . Perhaps someone could put a link here

Tbh I think it would be a good idea to inform the dvla of the change in diagnosis.

What insulin’s are you on.

 

[Ratbag]

Well only diagnosed today so nothing has been changed yet. I've been on slow release injection every morning and rapid acting with every meal. Constant feel like death so I hope something is altered soon.

 

[Inka]

Well only diagnosed today do nothing being changed yet. I've been on slow release and rapid with every meal. Constant feel like death do I hope domething is altered soon.

What are the names of the insulins you take @Ratbag ? What are your blood sugars like?

 

[Ratbag]

Lantus and Novorapid

Had three hypos today

 

[Inka]

Lantus and Novorapid

Had three hypos today

Could be the heat contributing. I’ve had to top up my carbs today too.

Are you carb counting and adjusting your Novorapid to suit the carbs you’re about to eat for your meals? If not, that will be a big potential cause of hypos, and can be improved. You might also find that a twice daily basal like Levemir suits you better if you need less insulin during the night versus during the day (or the other way round). It’s more flexible.

Now you have the correct diagnosis, things should make more sense and get easier gradually.

 

[Inka]

If you’re interested, two good books about Type 1 are:


Think Like a Pancreas’ by Gary Scheiner.

And Type 1 Diabetes in Children Adolescents and Young People by Ragnar Hanas (ignore the title - it’s great for adults too)

 

[Inka]

I meant to add that if you’ve been wrongly assumed to be Type 2, they may have assumed you’d need more insulin than you actually do. I don’t know if that’s the case or how you’ve been finding things, but if that was in their minds (Type 2) it might have affected decisions.

 

[DuncanLord]

I've just found out I have type 1 diabetes? What are the differences? Anything different? Is there anything I need to know? Do I need to tell the DVLA?

It depends what type of treatment you were on with your Type 2 if you need to tell DVLA.
Group 1 (Car or Motorcycle)
Only need to tell DVLA if you are on Insulin or tablets which carry the risks of hypos.
Group 2 (LGV or PSV)
Need to tell DVLA if on anything other than control by diet alone.
The only exception to the above rules is for Group 1 license holders who are on insulin for less than 3 months following a heart attack or during gestational diabetes.
DVLA do not totally distinguish between Type 1 Type 2 or LADA.
Diabetes to them is diabetes.
Good Luck with talking to Swansea Medical Branch. Keep phoning repeatedly and you do get through eventually. Waits can be anything around half hour plus to speak to an advisor once you get in queue.
You must check your BG on a meter with a memory function. ( Make sure date and time are set correctly) and keep a full log of testing.
prior to driving your BG must be above 5.0. If below 5.0 eat some carbs before driving. If below 4.0 then eat and retest in 45 mins before driving. You must test again every 2 hours whilst driving. DVLA treat 4.0 as hypo level.
you must also have foodstuffs close at hand and know signs of hypo.
(Have a look at the DIVAB1 form on the internet).
Keep a note of if you have a hypo whilst driving how did you recover, needing assistance or not.
If assistance is offered but you do not need it that does not count.
As I said earlier Good Luck with DVLA. They are fast to revoke licence but to get them back is a pain with Many Hoops to jump, obstacles to knock down and endless forms to fill in.I’m a coach driver and had licence revoked on diagnosis in March, as not 3 months results. Just sent in paperwork and D4 medical for next enquiry to doctors and consultant before another full medical and then hopefully………..

 

[Ljc]

If you don’t mind telling us.
Are you carb counting and adjusting your insulin accordingly or are you on fixed doses of Novorapid.
What are your BG levels like generally and your last Hb1ac result.
Sorry for all the questions.