Posted on December 22, 2007 in Diabetes FAQ
Yes. A Diabetic can drive a car, but he or she has to take necessary precautions, like coping up with hypoglycemia, avoid driving when under its influence, keep snacks around when the blood sugar level is low and inform driving authorities about the health condition. One should avoid alcohol completely. The Diabetes should be under control for a person to drive. One can face symptoms of low blood sugar such as loss of judgment, sweating, visual impairment, lack of coordination etc.
Driving is essential in modern day-to-day living. One needs to get to places. He or she cannot depend upon others for transport. One has to be skilled, alert and physically and mentally fit to drive. Any health condition can affect your driving capabilities and that applies to Diabetes also. A Diabetic has to be cautious while driving. He or she has to make sure that the blood sugar levels are not fluctuating. Diabetes does in many ways affect driving. How ?
What a Diabetic Should Keep in Mind While Driving?
- A diabetic can suffer from dizziness, feel sleepy, feel confused, or suffer from a seizure while driving
- A diabetic who needs only diet and exercise may be at less risk as compared to a diabetic taking medication and insulin
- Those suffering from Diabetes Type 1 have faced more accidents. This has been proved in a multi-study conducted by researchers of the University of Virginia
- The Diabetes Type 2 patient causes number of accidents similar to a non-diabetic
- Diabetes in the long run can affect driving. It damages the nerves, vision is impaired, and foot also gets affected. All these side-effects do have their impact on driving. Diabetes can cause amputation and blindness
- A yearly eye-examination is advisable
- One can suffer from a -hypo’ and needs to stop driving at that point and take some glucose or sugar to improve the low blood sugar levels. Driving when suffering from hypoglycemia could be dangerous. You are putting yourself at a risk as well as others. Dr. Daniel Cox, professor of psychiatric medicine says that being hypoglycemic is dangerous
- Stop driving when suffering from hypoglycemia. Drive after the blood sugar levels have improved
- Keep plenty of snacks ready. Have them when required while driving
- One can associate with a health care team to ascertain how Diabetes affects driving abilities
- One should carry blood glucose checking apparatus while driving
- The driving license authorities should be informed about the condition
- One should mention that one is suffering from Diabetes while purchasing car insurance
- Find other modes of transport in case you are unable to drive. Plan much in advance. Public transport is there, some religious groups and organizations help the elderly. You can also tie up with your family or friends
A diabetic should drive after he or she ensures necessary precautions are followed, so that he or she does not place himself or herself and others at risk. One can drive only if the Diabetes is not in an advanced stage causing mental and physical impairment, which can cause accidents.
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March 23rd, 2008 at 10:34 am
Can you tell me please what would happen if you did have a diabetic fit when driving and you did not injure any body but did cause damage to peoples cars and property that belong to the council.I no that you would have to give your insurence details to people that you had caused damage to.But i dont no what DVLA will do as the police would report this to them.But you were not 100 percent concious but were still aware of what was going on, and what would happen with your insurence if you told them that you were diabetic when you first got insured with them and all they have done is put on the details that were on your old papers on the new ones would they still pay out for the damage if it wasent written down on the the new insurence papers.