News

Drivers with diabetes are at no greater risk of causing accidents in their vehicles than anyone else, according to new research. The news is a boost to campaigners calling for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) not to discriminate against LGV drivers who are safe to drive and yet have lost their jobs because of the condition.

Researchers at Exeter University found that there was no significant difference in accident rates between patients with insulin-treated diabetes and those  without the condition. Current policy is for a blanket ban on anyone holding an LGV licence if they have to take insulin injections. It is perceived that they could be more likely to cause accidents as they have an increased risk of suffering a hypoglycaemic attack.

Charity Diabetes UK says it doesn't know how many professional drivers are affected, but there are 850,000 insulin takers in the UK, with only 20,000 of these children under the age of 15.

It is using the research to advocate individual assessments, with regular reviews for diabetes sufferers. A spokeswoman says: "We are pleased with the results. It backs up the fact that people with diabetes are not at increased risk compared with someone without diabetes, and therefore should not be discriminated against."

However, the DVLA claims the results back up its policy of preventing insulin-takers from driving. A spokesman says: "The DVLA welcomes the evidence that those drivers who meet the standards  required for licensing demonstrate a risk of accident no greater than that of the general population. This is reassuring in that the standards help to support road safety. Licensing standards are regularly reviewed in light of relevant evidence and other expert guidance."