The Glucose Never Lies® Podcast
Host John Pemberton — diabetes educator, researcher, and dad living with type 1 since 2008 — explores how to think clearly about type 1 diabetes in the real world.
Each episode translates current evidence and expert practice into decisions you can use: CGM accuracy and interpretation, getting more from pumps and automated insulin delivery, movement as a glucose tool, nutrition that protects performance and enjoyment, sleep, travel, parties, and sport.
Guests include leading clinicians, researchers, and people with lived experience. Expect respectful challenge, plain language, and practical take-aways.
Note: Educational only. No therapeutic relationship or personal medical advice.
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Email: john@theglucoseneverlies.com
The Glucose Never Lies® Podcast
16: Diabetes & Driving: Why You Need to Be 5 to Drive
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Episode 16 — Diabetes & Driving: Why You Need to Be 5 to Drive
Show summary PDF and full notes here
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Guest: Professor Pratik Choudhary (University of Leicester, Leicester Diabetes Centre; Chair, DVLA Medical Advisory Panel on Diabetes)
Host: John Pemberton (The Glucose Never Lies Podcast)
Episode Overview
Driving with type 1 diabetes is not just about safety. It comes with clear legal responsibilities.
We cover:- The legal differences between Group 1 (cars, motorcycles ≤3.5 t, ≤8 passengers) and Group 2 (HGV, minibuses, passenger vehicles >3.5 t or >8 passengers).
- Why the law requires you to be ≥5 mmol/L before driving (“5 to drive”).
- The 45-minute rule: after treating a hypo, you must wait 45 minutes once you are back above 5 mmol/L.
- When CGM readings are accepted (Group 1) versus when only finger-prick testing counts (Group 2, currently).
- The importance of self-declaring severe hypoglycaemia: two daytime events in 12 months means you must report it.
- Practical tips: keeping your meter’s date/time accurate, carrying a backup meter, and setting CGM low alerts at 5 for long journeys.
Key Takeaways- 5 to drive: ≥5.0 mmol/L
- 4.0–4.9 mmol/L: snack, then drive
- <4.0 mmol/L: treat → confirm >5.0 → wait 45 minutes once above 5
- Check every ≤2 hours — each check “expires” like a parking ticket
- Group 1 drivers: CGM or finger-prick both accepted
- Group 2 drivers: finger-prick only (until law changes)
- Severe hypos: two daytime events in 12 months → you must self-declare
- Responsibility lies with the driver, not your clinician
Resources and Further Reading
Visit The Glucose Never Lies — Episode 16 to access:
- DVLA INF294 — Insulin-treated diabetes and driving (official guidance)
- NHS England guidance on approved blood g
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John Pemberton — john@theglucoseneverlies.com
For creative, social, and production enquiries:
Anjanee Kohli — anj@theglucoseneverlies.com
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