Driver and Vehicle Agency Needs to Act for Diabetics - Dickson

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, has expressed concern that a delay to updating guidance for drivers with diabetes is extending an unnecessary burden.

Current guidance states that drivers with diabetes must check their blood sugar levels before driving and every two hours during a longer journey. However, in January 2018, the law was broadened to allow the testing of 'Interstitial Fluid' as well.

This meant other new forms of testing, like Flash GM and Continuous Glucose Monitoring technologies, could be used for testing levels when driving.

However, before drivers can start using these technologies, driving authorities must update their guidance, delaying the roll-out.

Mr Dickson commented: “As technology continues to make the management of diabetes less burdensome, regulation must keep up. The law changed more than a year ago but the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVANI) have not yet updated their guidance on the matter, meaning diabetics must continue with ‘finger prick’ testing when driving.

“I have written to the Department for Infrastructure asking for an update on the issue. I also note that the Swansea-based Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) have announced new guidance on the matter will come in February. I therefore expect the DVANI to act very soon to ensure diabetics in Northern Ireland can use this technology like drivers throughout the rest of the UK.”