[The medical certification for diabetic drivers in selected countries outside Europe]

Abstract

There are still many countries, which have not yet developed uniform recommendations on how to certify fitness to drive among people with diabetes mellitus. Studies on this problem from the European Union emphasize that recommendations issued in Canada, Australia and New Zealand are most unequivocal. There are a lot of factors affecting fitness to drive, therefore, assessing medical fitness to drive among driver candidates, as well as of persons who have a driving license but are obliged to extend its validity is absolutely essential. Health impairments may influence the ability to drive and lead to serious consequences. In all countries under study, the incidence and unawareness of hypoglycemia is the most important risk factor that influences fitness to drive. It is also important to take into consideration the current treatment modality. The presence and progress of chronic diabetic complications, which may influence driving must be assessed. Diabetes mellitus is a complex problem. Certifying fitness to drive among people with diabetes, the risk of road traffic accident for an individual and for other participants need to be well balanced.