Those who have severe diabetes or diabetic complications may worry about their ability to drive themselves where they need to go. You do not need to fear potential problems when you take some safety precautions before getting on the road.
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#1 Check with the DMV
Some states have rules regarding diabetes and the ability to get a driver’s license or the need to inform the DMV about certain conditions. For instance, a state may require that you notify them if you have vision problems or neuropathy. If you change states or have just been diagnosed, it’s a good idea to check with your local DMV about what they need to know.
#2 Test Your Blood Glucose Ahead of Time
It’s a good idea to test your blood glucose before going out for the day or before driving a long distance. Many people are tempted to head right out the door without breakfast or have overindulged at dinner and may not realize that their blood sugar levels are too high or low.
#3 Pull Over If You Feel Ill
When you started feeling the symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, pull over and test your blood sugar levels. Don’t try to push through the symptoms to get home. You’ll only be endangering yourself and others on the road. It’s a good idea to keep some snacks in the car to quickly raise your levels if needed. Wait a good 15 minutes before getting back on the road again.
#4 Consider Wearing a Medical ID Bracelet
If you have a more severe form of diabetes, there is always the risk that you could become incapacitated while in your vehicle. Any first responders to the scene will benefit from knowing that you have diabetes. An easy way to make sure they know about it is to wear a medical ID bracelet with the essential information.
#5 Have a Backup Plan for Driving
If you do have a day where it’s not safe to drive, you’ll need to get to work, the doctor’s, home, or just run chores some other way. Reach out to your friends and family ahead of time. Ask if they’d be willing to drive you when these days occur. You may also want to check what the local transportation services are, such as busing, taxis, or the subway. Find out how much it costs and keep the exact change on your person when you go out and at home.
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[expand title=”References“]
Living with diabetes blog. URL Link. Accessed September 28th, 2017.
Drivers License Laws By State. URL Link. Accessed September 28th, 2017.
Driving with Diabetes. URL Link. Accessed September 28th, 2017.
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