[Opinions on medical certification procedures for driving and diabetes presented by occupational medicine and diabetology experts]

Abstract

Background: In Poland, there is an urgent need to set criteria and recommendations for medical certification of persons working or taking up the job involving driving vehicles when diabetes or other intermediate hyperglycemia could have particularly important and dangerous impact. Along with scientific research, literature reviews and knowledge of laws, rules and regulations, the opinion of experts on the subject plays an important role in establishing standards and recommendations for occupational physicians according to the latest medical knowledge and legislation requirements.

Materials and methods: The questionnaire survey was conducted with the involvement of occupational medicine and diabetelogy consultants at the national and regional levels.

Results and conclusions: Experts unanimously opted for the need to establish recommendations for medical certification of drivers with diabetes. They indicated the required procedures concerning hyperglycemic patients, recommended an individual treatment of patients with diabetes and stressed that the reduction of hypoglycemia risk among drivers of motor vehicles should be given top priority.