Driving license and diabetes: what are the rules in Belgium?

In Belgium, a person with diabetes needs a driving fitness certificate to obtain or maintain a driver's license. Why is this measure necessary? What should you do if you have just been diagnosed?

Also read: Turning on diabetes with your diet, is that possible?

Custom driver's license at Diabetes: Why?

• Too low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) can lead to confusion, concentration problems, double vision or even loss of consciousness. A too high blood sugar level (hyperglycaemia) can temporarily cloud your vision and cause sleepiness.
• In addition, diabetes can cause damage to the tissues, with possible consequences for the eyes (reduced vision), the kidneys, the feet (numbness), the heart, the blood vessels and the nervous system. Your muscle strength and tendon reflexes can also be affected.

Diabetes and driver's license: what are the rules?

To drive a vehicle, a person with diabetes must be in possession of a specific driver's license that is issued for a limited period. This driver's license must be renewed every five years, and for professional drivers every three years.

What if complications occur?

Do you develop complications on your eyes, feet, nervous system, heart or blood vessels? Then you have to consult your specialist for a reassessment of your fitness to drive.

Also read: Diabetes and depression: worrying duo

What to do with a new diagnosis of diabetes?

Have you recently diagnosed with diabetes? Then your doctor is legally obliged to inform you about the need for an adjusted driver's license. Your condition must be stated on your driver's license.

You are obliged to Within four working days after the diagnosis to request an adjusted driver's license. After this period, your old driver's license is no longer valid. This applies to all persons with diabetes, regardless of the type or treatment (except gestational diabetes).

Also read: Hyperglycemia: Symptoms too high blood sugar levels

How do you request a custom driver's license?

Make an appointment at your municipality and take the following with you:

• Your old driver's license and identity card.
• The fitness certificate, filled in by the general practitioner or endocrinologist-diabetologist.

No adjusted driver's license = no insurance

If you do not have the driver's license adjusted, your car insurance may refuse to cover damage in the event of an accident or even submit a claim against you. So notify your insurer by registered letter as soon as your driver's license has been adjusted and add a copy of the driving fitness certificate and the new driver's license.

Diabetes and a foreign driver's license

Do you travel within the European Union? Then you can simply use your adapted Belgian driver's license. For destinations outside the EU, where the Belgian driver's license is not recognized, you need an international driver's license. You can request this from the municipality and it is valid for a maximum of three months.

Read also: Podcast: Healthy lifestyle in type 2 diabetes

Diabetes: what are the rules before you go on the road?

It is mandatory for diabetics to have quickly absorbable sugars in their vehicle to correct hypoglycaemia.

So be prepared:

• Take your blood sugar, medication and snacks with you.
• Professional drivers must regularly check their blood sugar levels (at least twice a day) and have a blood sugar meter in their vehicle.
• Pause every two hours on long journeys and eat on time. The longer the ride, the greater the risk of hypoglycaemia. Measure your blood sugar before departure.
• You can only drive if your blood sugar is at least 90 mg/dl.
• With a hypoglycaemia: park in a safe place as quickly as possible and take fast -acting sugars. Wait until your blood sugar is again at least 90 mg/dl and give your body at least 30 minutes to function properly before you continue.

Sources:
https://www.diabetes.be
https://www.diabete.be
https://www.awsr.be