
DVLA approves CGM devices for driving with diabetes
Flash and continuous glucose monitoring devices can now be used to take glucose readings by insulin-dependent drivers, it has been announced.
The DVLA has updated its current regulations following discussions with the Secretary of State for Transport’s Honorary Medical Advisory Panel on driving and diabetes.
Until now, drivers had to check their glucose levels with a finger prick blood reading no more than two hours before driving and then again on a break after every two hours of driving.
DVLA’s Chief Executive Julie Lennard said: “We want to make it as safe and as easy as possible for drivers to get on the road. Our panel of medical experts who help set the medical standards for driving are always looking at how we can use advancing technologies, and we’re pleased to be able to offer drivers another way of how they monitor their glucose levels.”
The changes were subject to panel approval, which consisted of leading medical experts in diabetes, DVLA doctors, lay members and observers from other organisations. The panel worked together with the DVLA to provide expert advice in a bid to find a way to maintain and improve road safety.
Speaking to The Diabetes Times, Dr Partha Kar. the Associate National Clinical Director, Diabetes with NHS England leading on digital innovation, said: “This is a big step forward for technology in diabetes care, and my thanks to DVLA and all in the advisory body who have helped to make this happen. It will certainly make life simpler for a lot of people living with diabetes- and a welcome move in improving and modernising self management with technology.”
Nikki Joule, Policy Manager at Diabetes UK, said: “The new guidance, which means that Flash Glucose Monitoring and Continuous Glucose Monitoring can be used in driving, is a major victory for people with diabetes.
“Innovative technologies such as these make people’s lives easier, because they improve their ability to monitor their blood glucose levels day-to-day and manage their condition safely, including whilst driving.
“We look forward to keep on working with the DVLA to make sure people living with diabetes are treated fairly, and that everyone is able to hold a driving licence if they meet medical fitness standards.”
- The guidelines on glucose testing published today apply to car and motorcycle drivers who treat their diabetes with insulin. The requirements for glucose testing for bus and lorry drivers remain the same (finger prick blood reading).
- Drivers can still use finger prick blood test readings to test their blood glucose levels, should they choose to. The updated guidelines include information for drivers who still prefer to test in this way. The guidelines also include guidance for drivers who treat their diabetes by tablets, diet or both.
- Drivers can wear a glucose monitor (which is in effect a small sensor) on their skin. These sensors record the driver’s glucose levels continuously. Flash Glucose Monitors are used by physically scanning the sensor with a handheld device as required to obtain the readings. Continuous glucose monitoring devices transmit a continuous reading to a handheld device, phone or watch directly from the sensor.
- If using flash or continuous glucose monitoring, drivers must still confirm their blood glucose level with a finger prick test if:
· their glucose level is 4.0 mmol/L or below
· they experience symptoms of hypoglycaemia
· the glucose monitoring system gives a reading that is not consistent with the symptoms they are experiencing (e.g. they feel the symptoms of hypoglycaemia but the reading does not indicate this)
- Drivers who treat their diabetes with insulin must tell DVLA. Drivers who treat their diabetes by diet only do not need to tell DVLA. If in any doubt, drivers should speak to their GP or a medical professional involved in their treatment.
Photo credit: Darwin Vegher
That should read hypo unawareness
I have had a dexcom g6 fitted which is a cgms which sends alerts to my phone if my sugars drop or rise due to hypo awareness. I have just had my driving license refused as the DVLA don’t consider this to be a suitable device to stop hypo’s occurring. I currently have my alerts sounding at 5.5 to which I start to treat so I don’t actually go into hypo. Any advice on how to deal with this?