Diabetes Mellitus

Question 1

what is diabetes mellitus

Answer 1

persistent hyperglycaemia

Question 2

causes/types of diabetes?

Answer 2

-deficient insulin secretion (type1)
-resistance to action of insulin (type2)
-pregnancy (gestational)
-medications (steroids secondary)

Question 3

all drivers

driving + diabetes mellitus

Answer 3

-all drivers who take insulin must inform DVLA
-drivers should be assessed on awareness of hypoglycaemia = capability of bringing their vehicle to a safe controlled stop

Question 4

diabetes group 1 drivers

Answer 4

-adequate awareness of hypoglycaemia
-no more than 1 episode of severe hypoglycaemia while awake in 12MT

Question 5

diabetes group 2 drivers

Answer 5

-must report all episodes of severe hypoglyc incl sleep
-full awareness of hypoglyc
-no episodes in 12MT
-most use blood glucose meter = sufficient memory to store 3MT of readings
-visual impairment inform DVLA x drive

Question 6

-what to carry, when to check levels . level range

DVLA advice diabetes mellitus

Answer 6

-if insulin tx must carry glucose metere + blood glucose strips
-check conc no more than 2hr before driving and every 2hr while driving
-readings >5mmol/l
-if <5 = snack

Question 7

<4mmol/l

what should drivers do if hypoglycaemic while driving

Answer 7

-safely stop
-turn off car and move from drivers seat
-eat/drink sugar source
-wait until after 45min blood gluc has returned to normal before driving
-x drive if hypoglyc awareness