This advisory report of a committee of the Health Council of the Netherlands 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. The Committee found that people with diabetes do tend to be involved in accidents more often, out given the small increase in the relative risk and the small proportion of total accidents where medical causes were a contributory factor. The Committee does not see this as justifying across-the-board restrictions on diabetes sufferers. The Committee feels that responsibility for the consequences of diabetes in road traffic rests primarily with diabetes sufferers themselves, especially when it relates to hypoglycaemia. The Committee recommends that the period of validity for Group 1 driving licenses (for private cars) be extended from five to a maximum of ten years, subject to the condition that the individual in question is receiving appropriate care. This brings the period of validity for diabetes sufferers into line with that for healthy drivers. In the case of Group 2 driving licenses (HGV licenses) the recommended period of validity is a maximum of five years. Diabetes sufferers who are susceptible to sudden, unexpected impairment of consciousness, or to full unconsciousness, due to hypoglycaemia are automatically disqualified from driving any vehicle type. In the case of those being treated with drugs that can cause hypoglycaemia, an examination by an independent internist is required at least every five or ten years, depending on the licence type involved. A specialist report from an ophthalmologist is also required whereby a copy of the results of routine examinations carried out every one or two years will suffice. As regards ocular and cardiovascular complications and disorders of the limbs causing functional impairment, the relevant sections of the current regulations apply.
Abstract