News & Events
22 Dec 2011 Invitation to apply to become an independent assessor of group 2 driving licence applicants
People with diabetes treated with insulin are now able to apply for any group two driving licence . The process of assessment will be
1) A driver wishing to apply for a Group 2 licence will first have to fill out a self-declaration form and consent.
2)Information will be obtained from their clinician (Consultant or GP). This will generate a fee that will be paid by the DVLA. Applicants who clearly fail on the criteria will not proceed further. Applicants whose application is rejected can reapply in the future if their circumstances change.
3) The DVLA will refer applicants who meet the criteria for an independent assessment by a consultant diabetologist, who will report to DVLA. A fee will be paid by the DVLA.
4) The final decision as to fitness to drive a class 2 vehicle will lie with the DVLA.
5) There is a right of appeal to a local magistrates or sheriffs court.
Although local diabetologists known to the patient may be involved at stage 2, the DVLA requires a rigorous independent assessment at stage 3. ABCD has agreed to assist the DVLA in identifying assessors for stage 3 (the independent assessment).Discussions are proceeding to set up a training programme for any consultant diabetologist holding a CST wishing to be an independent assessor. Meanwhile in view of the need to establish the assessment process without delay, consultants holding a CST in diabetes who feel that they have appropriate experience are invited to apply to the DVLA using the attached form.
Click here to download the application form.
News from Glycosmedia
A 7-year follow-up retrospective, international, multicenter study of insulin pump therapy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Insulin pump therapy is safe and effective in the pediatric population, although in this study, the major benefit in HbA1c was seen in males. The use of advanced pump features was associated with greater improvement in HbA1c (Acta Diabetologica)
Adipokines and Hepatic Insulin Resistance
This review summarizes recent findings regarding the relationship between adipocytokines and hepatic insulin resistance (Journal of Diabetes Research)
Injectable Nano-Network for Glucose-Mediated Insulin Delivery
In vivo studies validated that these formulations provided improved glucose control in type 1 diabetic mice subcutaneously administered with a degradable nano-network. A single injection of the developed nano-network facilitated stabilization of the blood glucose levels in the normoglycemic state (<200 mg/dL) for up to 10 days (ACS Nano)
Audit of clinical practice in the use of incretin mimetic agents for the management of patients with type 2 diabetes
It was concluded that good metabolic control can be achieved if these agents are used judiciously. The DPP-4 inhibitors improve HbA1c but are weight neutral, while the GLP-1R agonists cause both weight loss and improvements in HbA1c. The addition of insulin under specialist supervision can be beneficial (Practical Diabetes)
The incidence of type 2 diabetes in the United Kingdom from 1991 to 2010
There was a significant increase in the incidence of diagnosed type 2 diabetes between 1991 and 2010 and the proportion of people diagnosed at an earlier age has increased markedl (Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism)