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Episode 16 — Diabetes & Driving: Why You Need to Be 5 to Drive

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Guest: Professor Pratik Choudhary (University of Leicester, Leicester Diabetes Centre; Chair, DVLA Medical Advisory Panel on Diabetes)

Host: John Pemberton (The Glucose Never Lies® Podcast)

Episode Overview
Driving with type 1 diabetes is not just about safety. It comes with clear legal responsibilities.

We cover:

• The legal differences between Group 1 (cars, motorcycles ≤3.5 t, ≤8 passengers) and Group 2 (HGV, minibuses, passenger vehicles >3.5 t or >8 passengers).
• Why the law requires you to be ≥5 mmol/L before driving (“5 to drive”).
• The 45-minute rule: after treating a hypo, you must wait 45 minutes once you are back above 5 mmol/L.
• When CGM readings are accepted (Group 1) versus when only finger-prick testing counts (Group 2, currently).
• The importance of self-declaring severe hypoglycaemia: two daytime events in 12 months means you must report it.
• Practical tips: keeping your meter’s date/time accurate, carrying a backup meter, and setting CGM low alerts at 5 for long journeys.

Key Takeaways

• 5 to drive: ≥5.0 mmol/L
• 4.0–4.9 mmol/L: snack, then drive
• <4.0 mmol/L: treat → confirm >5.0 → wait 45 minutes once above 5
• Check every ≤2 hours — each check “expires” like a parking ticket
• Group 1 drivers: CGM or finger-prick both accepted
• Group 2 drivers: finger-prick only (until law changes)
• Severe hypos: two daytime events in 12 months → you must self-declare
• Responsibility lies with the driver, not your clinician

Disclaimer

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for individualised care.

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Enquiries

Collaboration: John Pemberton — john@theglucoseneverlies.com

Creatives: Anjanee Kohli — anj@theglucoseneverlies.com

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Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

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