The Department for Transport has recently amended the law concerning driving by patients with diabetes. This change comes after years of campaigning by Diabetes UK, a leading charity for individuals with diabetes.
Under the new law applicable from 1 January 2018, only individuals experiencing episodes of severe hypoglycaemia while awake are likely to lose their driving licence. The older law stated that those having ≥2 episodes of severe hypoglycaemia in a year even when they are asleep could lose their licence. The amended law also allows individuals who lose their licence because of severe hypoglycaemia to renew their licence within 3 months of their last episode, as opposed to 2 years previously.
Severe hypoglycaemia attack is a serious condition and can lead to confusion and disorientation, loss of consciousness and even coma. Although the laws are designed for the safety of the patients and public, inability to drive hampers individuals from reaching workplace and participating in family and community life.
Nikki Joule, Policy Manager at Diabetes UK, expressed her delight at the decision saying: "We hope these new changes will prevent people from losing their licence needlessly, and will help people with diabetes get safely back on the roads quicker if they do lose their licence.”
