risk of diabetic driver

If you have diabetes and you drive, the main risk is experiencing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) on the road, which can make you pass out and can lead to an accident. To avoid hypoglycemia, here are some reminders:

• Always carry sweet food or drink and a carbohydrate snack in your car.
• Don’t drive for more than two hours without taking a snack.
• Check your blood glucose before and during your trip.

If hypoglycemia occurs, take these steps:

• Pull over and stop the car.
• Immediately take in something sugary and follow it up with a longer-acting carbohydrate, like a biscuit.
• Do not restart the car until you have treated your hypoglycemia and feel absolutely normal. Studies show that cognitive functions does not return fully until after 40 minutes.