Driving ban for type 1 diabetics!

Hi. I've done a quick search on here but can't see anything on this topic. I read an article a few weeks back that said people who were type 1 may be banned from driving due to hypos due to new legislation. Did anyone else read this? I was quite shocked as I would be unable to work, collect children etc. I hope it doesn't become reality? I could see a large outcry if this was implemented.

Whether this legislation is finally in place or not is unknown to me, but the rules say if you have 2 or more sever hypos in a year, where by you need the assistance of a third party your license will be revoked, revoked meaning a re assessment would be needed to get it back, as opposed to a complete ban forever............

So everyone should be OK, and I know there will be exceptions, but, individuals who do have severe hypos, without warning, on a regular basis should really not be driving.........

It is common sense that people with severe hypos shouldn't be driving. This article suggests up to one million people could be affected. It says even if you have 2 hypos while in bed in a year your licence may be taken from you.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2028152/Million-drivers-face-losing-licence-EU-diabetes-diktat.html

I am hoping it is Daily Mail alarmism!

I think that the 'even in bed' statement is crossing the line a bit, because even if you did have a normal hypo, depending on sleeping conditions and a multitude of other factors, you may not be able to treat it.......................

the majority of hypos will most likely be dealt with on there own, and by their own, I mean the liver, during the night.......

I think that if you are well controlled, the chances of having a 'severe' hypo needing someones help more than twice a year is unlikely.........

but I can see a lot of people telling their partners and family members not to phone for an ambulance under any circumstances..........

I doubt whether this legislation would ever come into force, it wouldnt be legally workable, by the time its gone through the courts then the human rights courts, it will get laughed out of the door and the minister who suggested it, completely discredited.

The article states that it is an EU directive and seems to hint that it can't be avoided. However, i don't think the Daily Mail are fans of Europe so i hope it is just scaremongering. I personally am lucky to not experience many hypos at all but I would fight tooth and nail to continue driving whatever.

Without knowing the full details of the exact wording of the directive, it is hard to know who or what it is aimed at - I fully agree that those who have severe and unannounced hypos, that require another to intervene whilst driving, should not be driving, how ever, if the wording is not tight and it allows for your diabetic specialist to note down that you have had a couple of hypos during the year, and may be once or twice at night, your partner woke you to assist you, and then the DVLA, who can write to them when your licence is up for renewal, get to see this, you may well find out that it is your licence that has gone.

The devil is in the detail, but to be on the safe side, I signed the online petition against it http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/14125 and if it should come in, I would be very wary of what I say to the GP.

Yes, good idea to sign the petition to be sure.

This subject has just been raised in prime minister quedtions. David Cameron has said that there had been inaccurate reporting of the issue and that 'relatively few' insulin treated diabetics will lose their licence as a result. The DVLA are going back to the EC to double check some isues. Good news then!

Diabetes UK posted on facebook the other day that they have support to have this issue raise in PM Question time and also have a representative who is speaking to the EU regarding this point. Worth "like"ing the Diabetes UK facebook page for up dates...