For many people, driving is an important part of life. Most people with diabetes are able to drive safely, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you do.
How does diabetes affect driving?
Diabetes affects driving in two ways, possibly.
The first aspect is that if you take insulin injections or sulfonylureas such as (glimepiride) to control your diabetes, it may cause low blood sugar levels, called hypoglycemia. This can make it difficult to concentrate on driving and react to what is happening around you. It may be impossible to see the road clearly and you may even pass out after hypoglycemia.
If you are not sure if your diabetes medication can cause hypoglycemia, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Very high blood sugar may also make driving unsafe in some cases, but it is not common. It is recommended to ask your doctor what blood glucose levels may cause unsafe driving when reached.
The second aspect is that, over time, diabetes can lead to other health problems and affect driving. Nerve damage in the legs and feet can make it difficult to feel the pedal. Diabetes can also damage vision by damaging blood vessels in the eyes or increasing the risk of cataracts.
What do I do to prepare before driving?
A little preparation can make it easier to drive.
A little preparation can make driving safer.
- Glucose testing should be done before driving. Before driving, make sure your blood glucose level is at least 80 mg/dl. If it falls below that level, take a supplemental meal with 15 grams of carbohydrate. Wait 15 minutes, then test your blood glucose again
- Carry a refill snack with you. Save some snacks in your car with quick refill carbohydrates to keep your blood sugar levels from dropping. Try glucose tablets or gels, regular soda (not sugar-free soda), fruit juice or snacks (those that leave it in the car and don’t spoil easily)
- Carry a blood glucose meter. May need to take a blood glucose test while driving. However, never measure it when you’re not driving, and be careful to leave it in the car; extreme cold or heat can damage the meter
- Carry medical information. In case of an emergency, both police and rescue workers need to know that the patient has diabetes
- Check the condition of the eyes. Adhere to regular eye appointments to ensure that diabetes is not affecting vision
What to look for while driving
The most important thing to remember while driving is not to let your blood sugar drop too much. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop close and have your blood glucose tested:
- Headache
- Shivering or irritable state
- Hypersweating
- Hunger
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Vertigo, dizziness, or confusion
- Decreased motor dexterity
- Irritability or crankiness
- Weakness
If blood glucose is low, consume a snack that replenishes carbohydrates quickly. Wait 15 minutes and test again. If blood glucose levels are not high enough, consume another snack and wait 15 minutes before testing again. Do not drive again until your blood glucose is back in the normal range. Then, when you have a chance to stop, add more meals or eat a meal with protein.
Can I road trip? Be sure to test your blood sugar regularly during long drives to make sure it is in the normal range.
Be on the lookout for asymptomatic hypoglycemia
Most people with diabetes can drive safely. The exception is when a condition called asymptomatic hypoglycemia occurs, which means that the hypoglycemia may appear suddenly and without any warning. This is extremely dangerous for driving. If this happens, consult your doctor. It may be possible to learn how to detect the onset of hypoglycemia.