Do I need to tell the DVLA if I have diabetes?

Asked by: Miss Marcella Witting PhD  |  Last update: December 12, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (46 votes)

You must tell DVLA if your diabetes is treated by tablets or non-insulin injections. You must fill in: form VDIAB1SG if your diabetes is treated by sulphonylurea or glinide tablets. form VDIAB1GEN if your diabetes is treated by any other tablets or non-insulin injections.

Can I drive if I have diabetes?

Precautions to take include: Do not drive if your blood glucose is less than 4 mmol/l – or your blood sugar has been under 4 mmol/l within the last 45 minutes. Keep your blood glucose above 5 mmol/l when driving. Test your blood glucose levels within 2 hours of each journey.

Are Type 2 diabetics allowed to drive?

Most people with diabetes can drive safely. The exception is if you have a condition called hypoglycemia unawareness, which means low blood sugars hit you out of the blue, with no warning at all. It can be especially dangerous for you to be on the road.

Do I need to tell car insurance about diabetes?

When applying for car insurance you must declare all 'material facts'. Diabetes is a material fact, so you need to declare it.

Do I need to tell DVLA about metformin?

if your diabetes is treated by tablets and you're a bus or lorry licence holder (Group 2), you must tell DVLA. if your diabetes is treated by tablets and you're a car or motorcycle licence holder (Group 1), some tablets may cause hypoglycaemia so you need to ask your GP or healthcare professional about your medication.

Video 10/15 - Type 2 diabetes, driving and the DVLA

15 related questions found

Is diabetes classed as a disability UK?

Benefits. Type 1 diabetes was included in the Equality Act in 2010. This means that Type 1 diabetes is described as a disability. Although a lot of people with Type 1 wouldn't consider themselves disabled, it does mean that you're protected from discrimination at work or school because of your diabetes.

Can a doctor report you to the DVLA?

The driver is legally responsible for telling the DVLA or DVA about any such condition or treatment. Doctors should therefore alert patients to conditions and treatments that might affect their ability to drive and remind them of their duty to tell the appropriate agency.

Can I drive while taking metformin?

If your blood sugar levels are stable, taking metformin should not affect your ability to drive, cycle or use machinery and tools. Metformin itself will not make your blood sugar levels too low, but your doctor might prescribe it alongside other medicines for diabetes that can affect your blood sugar.

What benefits are diabetics entitled to UK?

There are a number of benefits available for people with diabetes and/or their carers.
  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA) ...
  • DLA for parents of children with diabetes. ...
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP) ...
  • Attendance Allowance for over 65s. ...
  • Employment and Support Allowance. ...
  • Pension credit. ...
  • Housing benefit.

Is diabetes a disability?

Specifically, federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act, protect qualified individuals with a disability. Since 2009, amendments and regulations for these laws make clear that diabetes is a disability since it substantially limits the function of the endocrine system.

What should my blood sugar be before driving?

Keep spare test strips in the car and bring your meter with you. Check your blood sugar levels before you set off and every two hours on long journeys. Five to drive – your blood sugars have to be 5mmol/l or above before you drive. If they're between 4mmol/l and 5mmol/l, eat some carbs before heading out.

What medical conditions must be declared to DVLA?

You must tell DVLA if you have a driving licence and: you develop a 'notifiable' medical condition or disability.
...
They can include:
  • diabetes or taking insulin.
  • syncope (fainting)
  • heart conditions (including atrial fibrillation and pacemakers)
  • sleep apnoea.
  • epilepsy.
  • strokes.
  • glaucoma.

What medication do you have to inform DVLA?

Notifiable medical conditions include epilepsy, strokes and other neurological conditions, mental health problems, physical disabilities and visual impairment.

What illnesses do you have to inform the DVLA about?

Conditions that the DVLA needs to know about include angina, dementia, dizziness, blood pressure, cataracts, vertigo, seizures and more. For the full list, see the government's guide to all health conditions and driving.

What benefits can I claim if I am diabetic?

Type 2 diabetes can cause severe complications that may make a person eligible for disability benefits. There are two types of benefits: SSDI, which requires a qualifying length of time in work, and SSI, which can support people with disabilities at any age and time in their work career.

Does diabetes qualify for PIP?

The starting entry criteria for PIP are as follows: People aged 16 to 64 years old. UK residents. Have a long term health condition, which may include diabetes, if it causes difficulties with daily living or mobility.

Is type 2 diabetes a disability UK 2021?

Is diabetes a disability? Although you may not feel disabled, diabetes is classed as an 'unseen disability' under the Equality Act. This has its advantages as it can help to protect against discrimination at work.

What medical conditions can stop you from driving?

Neurological conditions

Multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Parkinson's disease and other conditions affecting your nervous system can all affect your ability to drive.

What medication can stop you from driving?

The medications that can affect the ability to drive safely include medications used to treat: Pain (Oramorph, Zomorph, Diamorphine, Oxycodone MR (Oxycontin, Longtec), Oxycodone IR (Oxynorm, Shortec), Fentanyl, Ketamine, Methadone). Anxiety or muscle relaxants (Diazepam, Clonazepam, Lorazepam).

What medical conditions do you have to declare for car insurance?

A notifiable medical condition is one that you need to report because it could affect your ability to drive safely.
...
What are the notifiable medical conditions for car insurance?
  • Diabetes (especially if you're taking insulin)
  • Sleep apnoea.
  • Fainting spells.
  • A heart condition.
  • Epilepsy.
  • Strokes.
  • Glaucoma.

Why would the DVLA request a medical?

The medical examination is designed to assess a drivers overall fitness to drive, with a focus on any past or present alcohol abuse, misuse or dependency problems.

What is involved in a medical for driving licence?

Blood Pressure Check. Height & Weight check. Urine analysis Test. Audiology hearing Test if indicated.

Do I have to tell the DVLA about high blood pressure?

You do not need to tell DVLA if you have high blood pressure. You must stop driving if a doctor says you have malignant hypertension. You can drive again when both the following apply: a doctor confirms that your condition is well controlled.

Is blood sugar of 7.8 high?

Less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is normal. 140 to 199 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L and 11.0 mmol/L) is diagnosed as prediabetes. 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher after two hours suggests diabetes.

Can you drive with high blood sugar levels?

There is no restriction on driving if blood glucose is elevated, as this is not thought to adversely affect the ability to drive.