Other considerations

Driving

Most people with diabetes are able to drive without any problems. The exception is those who experience severe hypos – having one behind the wheel, particularly if you lose consciousness, can make you a danger to yourself and to others.

Most people with gestational diabetes won’t experience severe hypos. If you do experience a severe hypo because of your medication, and you lose consciousness at any point, you need to stop driving and notify the DVLA as soon as possible.

You also need to inform the DVLA if you end up using insulin for more than three months, or if your diabetes persists for more than 3 months after you give birth. Otherwise, you don’t need to inform the DVLA of your gestational diabetes if you want to drive a car or motorcycle.

In February 2019 the DVLA updated their guidelines for insulin treated diabetes regarding Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM) and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices. These can now be used to take glucose readings by insulin dependent drivers. Previously drivers had to check their glucose levels with a finger prick blood reading no more than two hours before driving and then again on a break after every two hours of driving. The DVLA have produced a really helpful guide for driving with insulin treated diabetes, which includes this updated guidance and you can read it by clicking here.

Diabetes at work

Whether or not you share your diagnosis with your boss or colleagues is your own decision – however, it may help. You have the right to ask for reasonable accommodations regarding your diabetes. If you are taking medication that may cause hypoglycaemia, you should be prepared to treat hypoglycaemia at work. It would be advisable to give colleagues enough information to able to help you without overreacting, if there’s a chance you have an episode of severe hypoglycaemia.

If you need to take time off:

• Give good notice of absences
• Keep your employer informed
• Don’t blame diabetes if you are off for any other reason
• Seek prompt medical attention if you are ill
• If you have multiple appointments in a short time, try to arrange appointments for the same day