Don’t Let Diabetes Stop You From Driving
Remember the feeling of freedom and adventure when you got your driver's license? Driving for most people represents a sense of independence. To lose that independence can be devastating and, for commercial drivers, life-altering.
People with diabetes can experience complications, such as vision problems or symptoms from severe low blood glucose, that can affect their ability to drive. So, here are just a few tips for people with diabetes to keep in mind.
- Always check your blood glucose before getting behind the wheel, especially if you are taking any type of medicine that can cause low blood sugar. If a person's blood glucose is less than 100mg/dl, that person won't know if the blood glucose is going down or up. Most of the time low blood glucose can be avoided by making sure blood glucose is above 100mg/dl before driving.
- Always keep some type of fast-acting sugar, such as juice, sugar packets or hard candies in the car. If you feel any signs of low blood glucose, pull over and check your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is low, eat some sugar and then wait 15 minutes before rechecking your blood glucose to assure it is coming up.
- Get a yearly eye exam to prevent vision problems that might be caused by diabetes.
- Know the side effects of your medicines. If you are unsure talk to your primary care provider or pharmacist.
There is no reason why people with diabetes should lose that independence if they are not experiencing complications such as severe low blood glucose or vision problems.
So keep these tips in mind and stay safe on the road this summer!
For more information about driving and diabetes:
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parents-and-kids/everyday-life/driving.html
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/know-your-rights/discrimination/drivers-licenses/driving-safety.html
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/know-your-rights/discrimination/drivers-licenses/commercial-drivers-and-diabetes-discrimination/faqs-about-commercial-drivers-licenses.html
I'll keep these tips in mind thanks