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New research has highlighted the risk of hypoglycaemia among drivers with type 2 diabetes, particularly those taking sulphonylureas (SUs) or glinide therapies.

The MSD-funded survey of over 1,500 UK drivers with type 2 diabetes found that 78 per cent of those taking SUs or glinide had experienced a severe or minor hypoglycaemic episode or €hypo€ in the last 12 months, compared with 68 per cent using insulin, 50 per cent managing their condition through diet alone and 48 per cent taking other medication. MSD is concerned that patients taking SUs or glinide may not be aware of the increased risk of hypos, while a new draft NICE guideline recommends glinide as a firstline alternative to metformin.

Hypoglycaemia affects 38 per cent of type 2 diabetes patients, while hypos are responsible for 45 serious driving events a month and five fatal crashes a year. €Hypoglycaemia in type 2 diabetes is a real and hugely underestimated problem with potentially very serious consequences,€ said Dr Marc Evans, consultant physician at University Hospital Llandough, Cardiff. €There is a clear need to educate both doctors and drivers regarding diabetes and driving, including the increased risks of hypos with certain treatments and the importance of good selfmanagement.€