Driving Warnings in Insulin Products

Driving and Diabetes

Driving and the EU law
Driving and hypoglycaemia – what are doctors being advised to do?
Test Strips – Department Of Health Warning For Doctors And Pharmacists
Vehicles You Can Drive
Insulin and Driving Taxis
Hypoglycaemia and Driving
Driving and Medicines
Driving and Visual Field Loss

Living with Diabetes

Driving warnings in insulin products

In 1998 the driving warnings in insulin product information were reviewed in the UK and Europe and after consultation, the following amendments were made:

Summary of product characteristics in the Data Sheets
"The patient’s ability to concentrate and react may be impaired as a result of hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia. This may constitute a risk in situations where their abilities are of special importance (eg driving a car or operating machinery.)

Patients should be advised to take precautions to avoid hypoglycaemia whilst driving, this is particularly important for those who have reduced or absent awareness of the warning signs of hypoglycaemia. The advisability of driving should be considered in these circumstances."

Patient Information Leaflet
"Your ability to concentrate or react may be reduced if you have hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia. Please keep these possible problems in mind in all situations where you might put yourself or others at risk (eg driving a car or operating machinery.)

You should contact your doctor about the advisability of driving if you have:

• frequent episodes of hypoglycaemia
• reduced or absent warning signs of hypoglycaemia."