Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia as a result of defective insulin secretion, insulin action or a combination. Poor glycaemic control increases the risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications. For group two driving license holders with diabetes there are specific requirements set out by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. It is therefore hypothesised that this patient group is likely to aim for less tight glycaemic control to avoid hypoglycaemia due to the socioeconomic implications of losing their license.

Aims: This project aims to assess glycaemic control in patients with diabetes who are group two license holders. A further aim is to assess the associated complications and episodes of hypoglycaemia.

Methods: Patient records were reviewed and patients with diabetes in possession of a group 2 license identified. Data regarding glycaemic control and associated complications was collected from SCI Diabetes with any further information obtained from clinic letters.

Results: Thirteen patients were identified as holding a group two license. Seven patients had type 1 diabetes and six type two. Average HbA1c (mmol/mol) at the last clinic visit was 70.6 and the average over the preceding 5 years 77.4. The average duration of diabetes was 11.1 years. Eye disease was the most frequent complication. No patients had a severe episode of hypoglycaemia in the preceding 12 months. One patient had impaired hypoglycaemic awareness and a small proportion of patients (23%) had had their license revoked.

Conclusion/Discussion: Diabetic patients who are group two license holders have poorer glycaemic control than the target set by national guidelines. This may be related to the importance of avoiding hypoglycaemia in order to retain their license. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study in the UK to examine glycaemic control and associated complications in this patient group.