Staying safe on the roads is not only about keeping to your lane and being mindful of fellow drivers, it is also about ensuring you are in optimal health before getting behind the wheel.
A midst numerous health conditions, hypoglycaemia, or "low blood sugar" or "low blood glucose", poses various risks for drivers as its symptoms may affect one's sense of judgement on the road.
Read on to learn more about the condition and how you can stay safe on the road.
Risks of Hypoglycaemia
Part of managing diabetes involves injecting insulin and oral glucose-lowering tablets like sulphonylureas. While these help to keep one's blood sugar under control, these medications also increase the risks of hypoglycaemia. The risks are further aggravated by activities such as:
- Extreme exercise
- Overconsumption of alcohol
- Missing meals
- Other health conditions such as kidney disease
Other medications may also cause drowsiness and decrease your alertness on the road and your ability to detect the
signs of low blood glucose.
The Rule of Thumb
Sometimes, the symptoms may strike when we least expect it. Hence, it is prudent to take precautionary action before getting behind the wheel and be mindful about what to do if the symptoms appear while one is on the road.
Always check your blood glucose levels
Before you start driving, check your blood glucose level using a glucose metre. Aim for a blood glucose level above 5.0 mmol/L to drive.
If you are on a long car journey, park your vehicle at a parking space to check your blood glucose (BG) level every 2 hours. Consider taking a break and a light bite.
Test your glucose levels if you experience any of the following symptoms before or while driving:
- Shakiness
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling irritable
- Sweating
- Feeling hungry
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Inability to concentrate
- Tingling sensation in fingers, lips or tongue
If you encounter any of the more severe symptoms of hypoglycaemia such as these listed below, do seek medical help as soon as possible.
- Weakness and difficulty walking
- Confusion and abnormal behaviour
- Loss of consciousness
- Unclear speech
- Seizures
What should I do if I have hypoglycaemia while driving?
Follow these 4 steps:
Locate a safe place to stop and park your car
Turn off the engine and shift to the passenger seat
Treat hypoglycaemia (< 4.0 mmol/L) with the
15-15 RuleWhen your blood glucose level is above 4.0 mmol/L, take 15g of long-acting carbohydrates before you start driving
Start driving only when all your hypoglycaemia symptoms are gone, and you can perform tasks like mental math, etc.
Depending on how fast your body takes to respond, the process may take about 30-45 minutes. Be patient and mindful so that you ensure safe travels on the road.
Being prepared and having the necessary equipment on hand could help better manage one's safety on the road. Here are 10 quick tips for drivers who suffer from hypoglycaemia.
1. Always bring along a glucometer to monitor blood glucose readings
Keep it handy in a car compartment and check your glucose levels where required.
2. Bring quick and long-acting carbohydrates to treat hypoglycaemia
These may include:
- Quick acting carbohydrates:
- Glucose tablets
- Sugar water (3 teaspoons of sugar mixed with half a cup of water)
- Half a can of soft drink
- Half a cup of fruit juice
- Long-acting carbohydrates
- A slice of wholegrain bread
- 3 biscuits
3. Have a Medik Awas card to identify you as a person with diabetes in the event of an emergency
4. Always test your blood glucose levels before driving and every 2 hours into driving
Ensure the reading is at least 5.0 mmol/L and above.
5. If your blood glucose reading is below 5.0 mmol/L, take 15g of long-acting carbohydrates before you start driving
Give the food some time to digest before testing again. If the reading is still below 5.0 mmol/L after 15 minutes, take another 15g of long-acting carbohydrates and repeat.
6. Protect your glucose strips from extreme temperature and direct sunlight to ensure accurate readings
Store them in a cabinet at home or car compartment.
7. If you have a hypoglycaemia episode, stop by the roadside where possible and treat this immediately
Get your quick and long-acting carbohydrates ready in case an episode strikes.
8. After treating hypoglycaemia, do not drive until you have fully recovered
Ensure you are parked somewhere safe like a carpark lot.
9. Avoid driving when you are tired or are on medications that may cause drowsiness
Get a friend or a family member to assist where required.
10. Never drink alcohol and drive
Not only is drinking & driving punishable by law, but intoxicated drivers also pose a danger to others.
Finally, staying safe on the road while living with hypoglycaemia is crucial. So make sure you keep these tips in mind by downloading a copy of them for easy reference:
