Diabetes crisis poses hidden risk to driver safety, report warns

A new report highlights a growing diabetes threat among commercial drivers, with urgent action needed to protect road safety and supply chains.

Hiding in Plain Sight: The UK Diabetes Crisis, published by the Diabetes Safety Organisation in partnership with the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) and Driving for Better Business (DfBB), reveals thousands of commercial drivers may be unknowingly living with Type 2 diabetes - a condition that can severely impair reaction times, decision-making and long-term wellbeing.

The report warns that without action, both road safety and national logistics resilience could be undermined, especially with HGV driver shortages, high absenteeism and early retirements already putting the industry under pressure.

“Diabetes is not just a public health issue, it’s a workplace safety risk,” said Jamie Hassall, executive director at PACTS.

“Undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes can lead to catastrophic consequences behind the wheel.”

Kate Walker, founder of the Diabetes Safety Organisation, called for urgent industry-wide action. “This is a silent threat to driver health and public safety,” she said.

“We need decisive leadership from the Government, regulators and employers alike.”

The report recommends:

• Mandatory diabetes risk assessments for all commercial drivers.
• Education and training on how diabetes affects driving.
• Integration of diabetes into all fleet health and safety policies.
• A cross-government strategy to make UK transport a “diabetes safe” sector.

The launch has support from the Road Haulage Association (RHA), the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) and employers including Evri.

Simon Turner, campaign manager at Driving for Better Business, said: “This report gives every transport operator a clear plan to protect both people and performance.”

The full report and executive summary are available at diabetessafety.org/hiding-in-plain-sight.

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