Hypoglycaemia and driving in people with insulin-treated diabetes: adherence to recommendations for avoidance

Background Hypoglycaemia impairs driving performance, so drivers with insulin-treated diabetes should try to avoid hypoglycaemia when driving, and treat it effectively if it occurs. It is not known how many insulin-treated drivers are familiar with, or adhere to, recommended safe practice. Methods We surveyed a representative sample of 202 current drivers with insulin-treated diabetes (115 with Type 1 diabetes), using a structured questionnaire. Data were obtained on driving history, estimated frequency of hypoglycaemia, and measures taken to avoid and treat hypoglycaemia when driving. Results The licensing authority (DVLA) and motor insurance company had been informed by almost all participants. Sixty-four participants (31.7%) had experienced hypoglycaemia while driving, and 27 (13.4%) reported that this had occurred within the preceding year. A minimum blood glucose level of 4.0 mmol/l or higher was considered necessary for driving by 151 drivers (74.8%), and 176 (87.1%) reported always keeping carbohydrate in their vehicle. However, 77 (38.1%) reported never carrying a glucose meter when driving, and 121 (59.9%) that they never test blood glucose before driving, or test only if symptomatic of hypoglycaemia. Most participants (89%) would stop driving to treat hypoglycaemia and would not resume driving immediately, although only 28 (13.9%) would wait longer than 30 min. Almost half of participants were failing to observe at least one essential aspect of safe driving. Conclusions Compliance with statutory requirements to inform the licensing authority and motor insurer is good, and drivers' perceptions of the minimum safe blood glucose level for driving are encouraging. However, most drivers rely on symptoms to detect hypoglycaemia while driving, and seldom test blood glucose before driving. Patient education should emphasize the role of blood glucose monitoring in relation to driving, and highlight the potential deterioration in driving performance when blood glucose falls below 4.0 mmol/l.