Driving and insulin‐treated diabetes: who knows the rules and recommendations?

Abstract

AbstractIn the UK the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) provides statutory regulations and guidance for safe practice for patients with insulin‐treated diabetes and their health professionals. An increased risk of road traffic accidents may be associated with complications such as acute hypoglycaemia, peripheral neuropathy and amputations. Previous studies have assessed patient knowledge and adherence. The aim of this study was to simultaneously assess whether patients and their health professionals are aware of and follow this guidance.An anonymous questionnaire was given to all patients attending a secondary care diabetes clinic over a three‐week period. A second web‐based questionnaire was e‐mailed to primary and secondary care health care professionals (HCPs) involved in diabetes care throughout Grampian.In all, 117 patients with insulin‐treated diabetes completed the questionnaire and 106 HCPs from primary and secondary care completed the web‐based questionnaire. The majority of patients (95%) were aware that they were obliged to inform the DVLA of their insulin treatment and 92% had done so. Only 15% of patients always tested and 24% would never test a blood glucose prior to driving. Ninety‐four percent of patients recognised symptoms of hypoglycaemia most of the time. Only 17% would wait the recommended 45 minutes before driving again after an episode of hypoglycaemia. All HCPs knew that patients are obliged to inform the DVLA of their insulin treatment. Sixty‐two percent of HCPs knew patients should test before every journey. Thirteen percent of HCPs thought it safe to drive with blood glucose <4mmol/L. Eight percent of HCPs did not know that impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia might be a contraindication to driving.Greater availability of information to health professionals about minimising the risks associated with driving and diabetes is required if patients with insulin‐treated diabetes are to become better informed and understand driving regulations and recommendations for safe driving in the UK. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.