Medical fitness-to-drive of persons with diabetes mellitus

This advisory report addresses the question of what driving restrictions need to be placed on diabetes mellitus sufferers.

The biggest risk for drivers who suffer from diabetes is hypoglycaemia, which can cause impaired consciousness, resulting in complete unconsciousness if appropriate steps are not taken. Hypoglycaemia occurs mainly in individuals who take insulin, but it can also occur as a result of taking certain drugs that lower the blood glucose level. Other conditions besides hypoglycaemia that can affect fitness to drive in the long term are ocular, cardiovascular and neurological complications.