Diabetes and safe driving

Drivers with diabetes should always be on the lookout. Studies show that the risk of hypoglycemia is increased when driving. In addition, even a slight change in glycemia affects the quality of driving a car. We figure out which sugars are better to drive and what precautions to take to protect yourself and other drivers.

Materials from the author’s workshop Diabeton

1. Always Check Your Glycemic Level When You Drive

Sugar should not be lower than 4-5 mmol / l. Do not focus on how you feel, only the glucometer readings can be an accurate guide. Even if you feel well, with a glycemia below 4 mmol / l, the speed of reaction will be worse than usual.

2. Means for stopping hypoglycemia are always at hand!

This should be your golden rule. It is better if it is already dosed soft or liquid. For example, fruit juice, sugary soda, gels or specialized juices with pure glucose.

Ideal storage space – driver’s armrests, driver’s door pocket, your pockets. The main stock should be very close. Store extras in the glove compartment.

3. Do not drive after a long break after eating

If the meal was a long time ago, then before driving it is worth taking a light snack. And if you still don’t have the opportunity to measure sugar, then it’s better to protect yourself and eat some fruit to get to your destination without the risk of hypo .

4. Be vigilant while driving after exercise

Physical activity has a beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity, but it also means an increased risk of hypoglycemia. The effect lasts for several hours. Exercise doesn’t just mean sports. Inveterate summer residents and people after doing household chores (washing, cleaning, etc.) should also be careful.

5. Refrain from driving after changing therapy

When treatment changes, it is better to be a passenger or walk for a while. The first period after the appointment of new drugs or a change in the regimen of insulin therapy may carry a potential threat of hypoglycemia. Allow yourself up to a week to get used to it, and then calmly return to your driving addiction.

6. Symptoms of hypoglycemia? Emergency stop

If you feel symptoms of low sugar, try to pull over to the side of the road. If this is not possible, turn on the alarm and stop. Eat a serving of fast carbohydrates. Return to the movement only when the level of sugar and well-being returns to normal.

7. Take breaks on long trips

If you often drive long distances, get in the habit of making sure you stop every couple of hours. These stops should include a little rest, checking the level of glycemia, and with sugars of 3.9 – 4.5 mmol / l – a small snack.

During these stops, do a little warm-up. A couple of minutes of light exercise to improve flow to the legs.

Traveling is all about foresight and planning. In addition to the usual items, always check that all diabetic devices are available. Listen to your body, but make decisions only on the basis of clear facts – measurements of sugar levels with a glucometer .

Good sugars to you and a safe road!

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