diff --git a/libraries/AP_NMEA_Output/AP_NMEA_Output.cpp b/libraries/AP_NMEA_Output/AP_NMEA_Output.cpp
index 7649b8bd94..55c4379702 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_NMEA_Output/AP_NMEA_Output.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_NMEA_Output/AP_NMEA_Output.cpp
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ void AP_NMEA_Output::update()
     const uint16_t now = AP_HAL::millis16();
 
     // only send at 10Hz
-    if (now - _last_run < 100) {
+    if (uint16_t(now - _last_run) < 100) {
         return;
     }
     _last_run = now;