Diabetes is one of the most common medical conditions affecting HGV drivers in the UK. The rules around diabetes and HGV licensing changed significantly in 2011, when the DVLA relaxed the blanket ban on insulin-treated diabetics holding Group 2 licences. This guide explains the current rules for HGV drivers with diabetes in 2026.
Diet-Controlled Diabetes
If your diabetes is controlled by diet alone, you are generally able to hold a Group 2 HGV licence. You must notify the DVLA of your condition, have no complications from diabetes that could affect your driving, and have your condition reviewed as part of your regular D4 medical examination.
Tablet-Controlled Diabetes
If your diabetes is controlled by oral medication, the rules depend on the type of medication. Metformin does not cause hypoglycaemia and is treated similarly to diet-controlled diabetes. Sulphonylureas (e.g., gliclazide) can cause hypoglycaemia — drivers taking these must meet additional requirements including regular blood glucose monitoring and no hypoglycaemic episodes requiring assistance in the past 12 months.
Insulin-Treated Diabetes
Insulin-treated diabetics can hold a Group 2 HGV licence if they can demonstrate no hypoglycaemic episodes requiring assistance in the past 12 months, full hypoglycaemic awareness, regular blood glucose monitoring at least twice daily and within 2 hours of driving, blood glucose of at least 5 mmol/L before driving and every 2 hours while driving, and satisfactory annual specialist review.
You must carry your glucose meter and rapid-acting glucose in the cab at all times. If you experience a hypoglycaemic episode while driving, stop safely, switch off the engine, and treat the episode before continuing.
Notifying the DVLA
You are legally required to notify the DVLA if you are diagnosed with diabetes and hold a Group 2 licence, and if your treatment changes. Complete form DIAB1 and send it to the DVLA's medical group in Swansea. If you have a hypoglycaemic episode requiring the assistance of another person, you must stop driving immediately and notify the DVLA. You must not drive for at least 12 months after such an episode.
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