Freestyle Libre and driving

Diabetes can affect your ability to drive safely because of the risk of hypos, so there are some guidelines that are important to follow.

You should check your blood glucose regularly when driving. Before, after and while you drive, your blood glucose level should always be above 5 mmol/L.  If your glucose is 5 mmol/L or less, eat a snack.

In February 2019, the DVLA updated their guidelines regarding isCGM and rtCGM devices. If you are using one of these monitors you will still need to do a fingerprick check if:

• Your blood glucose level is 4 mmol/L or below
• You have symptoms of hypoglycaemia
• Your glucose monitoring system gives a reading that is not consistent with your symptoms (i.e. you have symptoms of hypoglycaemia but your system does not indicate this)
• You are aware that you have become hypoglycaemic or have an indication of impending hypoglycaemia

For more information on driving safely when you have type 1 diabetes, check out our ‘Living with Type 1 Diabetes’ course which covers the legal aspects, license types and what to do if you have a hypo when driving.