How to drive safely with diabetes?

For many people in our country, driving is a part of everyday life. So if you have diabetes, you may have had questions like, "Can I drive?" "Is it safe?" In fact, many people with diabetes can drive safely without any problems. However, there are a few things we need to think about and be careful about before getting behind the wheel. That's what we're talking about today. These things are very important for your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Two main ways diabetes affects driving

When driving, a person with diabetes needs to be aware of two main risks.

1. Sudden decrease in blood sugar levels (Hypoglycemia)

This is the most important thing to pay attention to. If you are taking insulin to control your diabetes, or if you are taking medications like sulfonylureas or meglitinides , your blood sugar levels can suddenly drop below the recommended level. This is what we call hypoglycemia. Imagine what would happen if this happened while you were driving?

• You're having a hard time concentrating on the road.
• You won't be able to make quick decisions or respond quickly to what's happening on the road.
• Vision is starting to blur.
• If the condition becomes severe, you may even lose consciousness while driving.

You probably understand how dangerous this is by now. If you're not sure if your diabetes medication can cause your blood sugar to drop too low, ask your doctor . (Sometimes, it can be dangerous to drive when your blood sugar is too high, but it's rare. It's a good idea to ask your doctor about that too.)

2. Long-term complications caused by diabetes

When diabetes is present for a long time, it can affect other parts of our body. These can also interfere with driving.

• Nerve damage: Nerve damage can occur, especially in the legs and feet. This can lead to loss of sensation in the vehicle's pedals (accelerator, brake). This is very dangerous, isn't it?
• Vision problems: Diabetes can damage the delicate blood vessels in your eyes. It can also increase your risk of developing cataracts , which can gradually impair your vision.

This preparation is essential before going on a trip!

With a little preparation, we can prevent a major accident on the road. Make these things a habit before you pick up the car keys.

• Check your blood sugar level: Before you start driving, check your blood sugar level with a blood sugar meter. It should be at least 80 mg/dL . If it is lower than that, eat a snack with about 15 grams of carbohydrates (e.g., two or three biscuits, a piece of fruit), wait 15 minutes, and check again.
• Keep snacks in the car: Keep something you can eat quickly in case your blood sugar starts to drop. It is very important to always keep something in the car, such as glucose tablets, gel, a sugary drink (not diet drinks!), a juice box, a toffee, or a packet of biscuits.
• Take your meter with you: You may need to check your blood sugar while you're on the go. But remember, don't leave your meter in the car when you're parked. Extreme heat or cold can damage it.
• Wear a medical ID: It is very important to wear an ID card or bracelet that says you have diabetes . In the event of an emergency, it will help first responders and medical staff quickly know your condition.
• Get your eyes checked: Don't miss out on regular eye exams. It's essential for your safety to know early if your vision is being damaged by diabetes.

Be careful while driving.

If you start to experience any of the symptoms below while driving, it could be a warning sign that your blood sugar is low. As soon as you feel this symptom, stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the engine . Then, eat a sugary snack (glucose tablet, toffee, juice) that you have with you. Wait 15 minutes and check your blood sugar again. If the level is still low, eat another snack and wait another 15 minutes. Do not start driving again until your blood sugar level returns to normal. Then, eat a good meal with protein as soon as possible. If you are going on a long trip, it is a good habit to stop the vehicle and check your blood sugar level every few hours.

Low blood sugar without symptoms (Hypoglycemia Unawareness)

While most people with diabetes can drive safely, there are some people who need to be especially careful. Those with a condition called ``Hypoglycemia Unawareness''. Simply put, it means that your blood sugar levels suddenly drop dangerously low without any warning or symptoms. Imagine if you suddenly lost consciousness without any warning? This is a very dangerous situation for a driver. If you have had this experience, be sure to talk to your doctor about it. There may be ways you can retrain yourself to recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar. But your doctor should make the decision. Diabetes, driving, driving, blood sugar, hypoglycemia, safety, diabetes sinhala