Driving with Diabetes
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| Thu, 01-31-2008 - 10:28pm |
Here is something I saw from Joslin Diabetes Center. I bet most of us don't follow these guidelines!
In the Driver’s Seat: Managing Hypoglycemia When Driving

Special challenges arise when driving with diabetes
For some people with type 1 diabetes, and some with type 2, driving requires extra care. Unexpected hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can cause you to feel dizzy, shaky, or disoriented. Fortunately, there are ways to manage your diabetes so that you can enjoy the freedom driving can bring.
Planning helps everyone with diabetes
Whether you’re a person with type 1 diabetes who has managed it for years or are newly diagnosed, you should have a plan for dealing with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when you’re driving. This means talking with your healthcare team about what kind of special precautions you should take.
People with Type 2 diabetes are also at risk
Concern about hypoglycemic reactions while driving aren’t relegated to people with type 1 diabetes—those with type 2 diabetes who take sulfonylureas including glyburide and glipizide are also at risk. That’s because this class of oral medications works to increase the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. If you’re not sure whether you take any of these medications, ask your healthcare team.
Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, knowing what to do about your blood glucose (sugar) when you are driving is essential in order to avoid dangerous situations for both yourself, and other drivers on the road.
- Know before you go. Test your blood sugar every time you get behind the wheel. If your blood glucose is under 80, treat it with fifteen grams of carbohydrate, like a small juice box or snack bar. If your blood sugar is normal and you feel fine, you’re good to go.
- Stay in tune with your body. If you start to feel confused or shaky, pull over immediately and test your blood sugar. Treat low blood sugar using the 15/15 rule—fifteen grams of carbohydrate, and testing fifteen minutes later. Do not start driving until your symptoms have gone away.
- Stock your car with (healthy) snacks. Always keep a supply of fast-acting snacks in your car. Juice boxes, snack bars—anything that you can grab when you have an episode of hypoglycemia.
- Wear a medical bracelet. Anything that identifies you as a person with diabetes-- whether it is a necklace, bracelet, or otherwise—is absolutely essential in case there is an emergency.
- Protect your glucose meter. If you have a separate glucose meter for monitoring your glucose while driving, remember to take it out of the car when it is either very cold or hot—extreme temperatures damage your meter, and decrease its ability to give accurate glucose readings.






Well, I DO wear my dog tag and I DO have glucose tablets in my purse and in both glove compartments' first aid kits. If I'm feeling "odd", I'll have a snack before driving. But I don't always test every time before I get behind the wheel - I'm not on the medications indicated so I'm probably not as likely to have a sudden low. I do know a couple ofcoworkers who test before they get on their motorcycles every time because that's inherently more risky.
--Deb
Deb,
Good for you!
On another note, did you get your lab results back yet? I asked my sister to respond to your comment about the test for TB. But she has been sick this week with the really nasty respiratory bug that is going around. When I called her the other day I thought it was her husband answering the phone!! So it may be a few days before she gets around to posting an answer.
Just the A1C (5.7!) and the TSH. I'm getting a little nervous on the one hand because my dr appointment is in just over a week and I'm not sure if the results will get there in time. On the other hand, I'm guessing that if a TB test shows a positive result, someone would be knocking on the door PDQ and that hasn't happened either. I just hate being in the dark about stuff.
--Deb
Deb,
My sister tells me this is a highly specific test with many false positive but absolute accuracy for negatives. So let's hope your test was negative. She is looking into why this test would be run without any reason as it is not a normal screening test. I'll let you know more as she tells me.
Thanks - still haven't heard anything. I'll probably check with the lab today or tomorrow if for no other reason but to make sure the results did get sent to my doctor so she'll have them by my appointment next Monday. Maybe they've got what they suspect is a false positive so they're waiting and my doctor will be sending me for a second round of blood tests after my appointment...I hate not having the info at least.
--Deb