When you are driving:
- always carry your blood glucose meter and strips with you
- carry ID to show you have diabetes in case of an accident
- never drink and drive
- make sure your blood glucose meter displays the correct time and date so you have a record
If you get the warning symptoms of a hypo whilst driving, you must always stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Do not ignore the warning symptoms.
If your blood glucose is 5 millimoles per litre (mmol/l) or less, have a snack.
If it is less than 4mmol/l or you feel hypoglycaemic (low blood glucose), do not drive.
Legal requirements for driving with type 1 diabetes
Legally, if you have diabetes and you drive you need to:
- check your blood glucose is above 5mmol/l before driving
- check your blood glucose every 2 hours if you're on a long journey
- carry a glucose meter, hypo treatment and carbohydrate snacks like a cereal bar or banana when driving
How to check your blood glucose levels
If you feel your levels are low:
- Stop the car when it's safe.
- Remove the keys from the ignition.
- Get out of the driver's seat.
- Check your blood glucose and if it is low, treat your hypo.
- Do not drive for 45 minutes after you start to feel better.
Insurance, driving license and type 1 diabetes
You need to let your insurance company and the National Driving License Service (NDLS) know you have type 1 diabetes.
Download the NDLS booklet 'Diabetes and driving' (PDF, 12 pages 1 MB) - ndls.ie
