The use of technologies to monitor diabetes is expanding rapidly. The flash glucose monitoring (FSL) is allowed for clinical use in selected group of individuals with type 1 Diabetes in the UK.
In GB, there are 1428 drivers with type 1 Diabetes who currently hold a Group 2 (lorry and bus) Driving licence. The regulation to allow insulin treated individuals with diabetes to drive, was allowed, several years ago when UK was an EU member.
DVLA introduced a new system of assessment for these drivers in 2012, which requires individual assessment from an independent specialist (Consultant) in diabetes who is not routinely involved in day to day care of these individuals. Group 2 drivers are required to have three months’ worth of blood glucose readings when they see the independent assessor, this evidence must be recorded on a blood glucose monitor, through finger prick tests.
It has been brought to the attention of ABCD, that as use of technology is expanding, more and more drivers with type 1 diabetes, are eligible for access to FSL and are using this to monitor their diabetes. However, these individuals are not being informed that FSL is not recognised for driving purposes for Group 2 licence holders. By law, Group 2 drivers must continue to finger prick test twice a day even when they do not drive.
If Group 2 drivers use FSL, DVLA guidance recommends that these individuals must also continue to test finger prick glucose for driving purposes. In addition to this, some of these drivers are also being denied Test Strips by their GPs, unaware of the DVLA guidance.
ABCD would like to urge specialist diabetes teams to ensure that this guidance is made clear to people who are being given access to FSL for monitoring purpose and primary care colleagues ensure that an ample supply of test strips is being made available.
|
Appropriate glucose monitoring systems (DVLA leaflet 294)
|
