safe driving and hypoglycaemia

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 Rule
When 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.

10 Tips for Safe Driving

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

Have a look at more healthy food options here.

3. Have a Medik Awas card to identify you as a person with diabetes in the event of an emergency

Speak to your doctor to enroll in the Medik Awas Programme or visit Singapore Medical Association to learn more.

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:

Driving Safely.pdf

Stay Safe on the Road: Managing Hypoglycaemia for Drivers