Driving and Diabetes

My Diabetes Project – Driving

Chrodis ProjectDiabetes information and services in Europe

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Some medications prescribed to people with diabetes have a risk of causing hypoglycemia, i.e  they need  take extra safety precautions and inform their national driver license services.  Some extra precautions  include:

  • Always carry a glucose meter (and  strips) when you drive. Check your blood glucose before leaving and every two hours while driving.
  • If your blood sugar is 5.0 mmol/L or less, eat a snack. If it’s less than 4.0 mmol/L or you are beginning to feel hypoglycemic, don’t drive and do whatever you need to reach a normal glucose level.
  • If hypoglycemia develops while driving, stop the vehicle as soon as possible, pull over to the side of the road. Turn the car off, take the keys out of the ignition and move from the driver’s seat.  Do not  start driving for 45 minutes after your blood sugar has returned to normal.  This is how long it takes  your brain to fully recover.
  • Keep a supply of quickly absorbed carbohydrate snacks or glucose tablets in your vehicle. If on a long journey,take regular meals, snacks, rest periods, and always avoid alcohol.
  • Have personal identification on you at all times to show you have diabetes in case of injury in an accident.
  • Be aware of any lifestyle changes that could put you at greater risk of hypoglycemia, including new insulin regimens, exercise routines, travel, or pregnancy.

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