Leicester professor to advise on driving and diabetes

Professor Pratik Choudhary has been appointed Chair of the Secretary of State for Transport's Honorary Medical Advisory Panel on driving and diabetes. 

Data shows that more 4.3 million people in the UK live with diabetes* and for those who want to drive there are extra rules to make sure all road users are safe. 

The purpose of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) six medical advisory panels is to provide the Secretary of State for Transport with expert advice to set the medical standards and shape policy and guidelines for more than 50 million driving licence holders to maintain and improve road safety.  

Pratik Choudhary is a Professor at the University of Leicester, an Honorary Consultant in Diabetes at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and is part of the leadership team at the Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC).  

Professor Choudhary has a special interest in type 1 diabetes and technology and has active clinical and research programmes around education, psychology, and technology in type 1 diabetes. 

Professor Pratik Choudhary said: “The rules around driving with diabetes are complicated, but in this role, I plan to work with the DVLA to make things as straightforward as they can be for people living with diabetes.  

“I also want to work with the DVLA on the potential for greater use of technology in diabetes, while at the same time making sure that the rules and regulations are appropriate to maintain safety on the road.” 

Professor Melanie Davies, Co-Director of the LDC, said: “This appointment recognises Pratik's expertise in diabetes and recognises his national standing. We know that the vast experience and expert advice he will bring to this role will be extremely significant to people living with diabetes, and all road users.” 

The Leicester Diabetes Centre is answering the global challenge of type 2 diabetes and long-term conditions through world-leading research, education, and innovation. Based at Leicester General Hospital, the 3,000m2 centre is a unique collaboration between the University of Leicester and the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.