Driving can be a fun and liberating experience, and most people with diabetes may not face challenges when taking control of the steering wheel. But it is always better to tick all the boxes on the checklist before planning a road trip.
Dr Aditi Chopra, consultant, diabetes & endocrinology, Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru, says driving is a complex process that places considerable demand both on cognitive and physical functions. “There are many complications in people with diabetes, which can impair their driving. [For instance, they] can have hypoglycemia, which is a common side-effect of insulin and some medications,” she says.
Driving with diabetes
Experts recommend that people with diabetes should check their glucose levels at least one hour before starting a journey. “If it is a long journey, they should check it every two hours,” Dr Chopra says. “If the blood glucose levels are less than 90, it is advised that they take a snack before resuming driving.”
When the blood glucose is lower than 70, one might develop signs of hypoglycemia like giddiness, light-headedness and excessive hunger. They should refrain from driving then.
“A person usually feels tired after driving continuously for three to four hours while travelling long distances,” says Mathew A, manager, Maruti Driving School, Koramangala, Bengaluru. “If they have diabetes, it is imperative for them to take a break every hour or two.”
At what blood sugar level should you not drive?
Hypoglycemia can impair cognitive function, which is necessary for a safe driving experience. In case the driver develops hypoglycemia while driving, they should find a safe spot and pull over as soon as possible.
“They should have fast-acting carbs or sweets, which should be kept in an easily accessible part of the vehicle,” says Dr Chopra. “The blood levels should be rechecked, and they should not start driving again, for at least 30 to 40 minutes after their blood levels come back to normal (above 90). The brain takes a little longer to recover from an episode of hypoglycemia.”
Experts also recommend avoiding driving after drinking alcohol as it can cause hypoglycemia or worsen the condition.
Driving and diabetes: Eye complications
People with diabetes are at risk of developing eye problems which can affect their vision and cataract. Dr Chopra adds it can affect the retina. Driving licences in most countries are issued if one scores six out of 12 points on a visual acuity test. Mathew says it is therefore better to avoid night drives, especially if one uses spectacles. “If a person is wearing glasses, it would be more difficult to drive at night. The chances of vision getting more blurred with headlights beaming from the other vehicles in the opposite direction can make it unsafe to drive,” he says.
Driving and neuropathy complications
Another diabetes complication is neuropathy. “Nerves in the body can get affected, especially in the lower limbs because of which they can have lower sensation in their limbs,” Dr Chopra says. “It can make it difficult to gauge pressure on the accelerator, clutch or break, affecting their driving performances.”
Other diabetes complications that affect driving
People with diabetes are also at risk of stroke, which impairs their cognitive function. “They may also have peripheral vascular disease, where the blood vessels in lower limbs get affected,” she says. “It may affect their ability to operate the foot pedals.” It might also require some modifications in the car for driving.
Sleep apnea can affect driving. “If one has poor night sleep, they can have daytime somnolence. This can affect driving as well,” she says.
The all-important checklist
At risk of low blood sugar, and about to go on a drive? Here’s a checklist:
- Carry a glucose monitoring system with strips.
- Carry rapid-acting carbs and some snacks.
- Keep the snacks in an easily accessible part of the vehicle.
- Eat and have proper rest at regular intervals.
- Check glucose levels at least one hour before starting the journey.
- If it is a long journey, check your sugar levels every two hours.
- Carry a personal ID card with the phone numbers of the caregiver and doctor in case of a medical emergency.
Takeaways
- Your driving ability could be affected by long-term complications of diabetes, such as eyesight deterioration and the loss of normal sensation in the feet.
- Hypoglycemia can impair cognitive function, which is necessary for a safe driving experience.
- One should have fast-acting carbs or sweets in case of low sugar, which should be kept in easily accessible parts of the vehicle. Do not resume driving for at least 30 to 40 minutes after the blood levels return to normal.
