DIABETES AND DRIVING

It's the person with diabetes' worst nightmare. You are driving in your car
and you experience a reaction, losing control of the vehicle. You hit
another car, seriously injuring or even killing the other driver and his
passengers.

In the June 1991 issue of Canadian Diabetes, the Canadian Diabetes
Association published a position statement on diabetes and driving. CDA
believes that people with diabetes can drive provided they meet specific
health requirements and minimize the risks of accident by taking
responsibility for the condition before and during their time behind the
wheel.

Home blood glucose monitoring is now widely practiced and should be done
within an hour before driving. Self-monitoring before getting into your car
will alert you to the possibilities of a reaction, allowing you to take the
proper steps in normalizing your blood sugar levels before driving.

With home monitoring, it is possible to aim for glucose levels that are
closer to the normal range by following intensive insulin regimens. For
those who choose to drive, it may be preferable to aim for glucose levels
that are slightly above the normal range. This could lower the risk of a
reaction while driving.

If you are a commercial driver, there are differences you should make note
of. The schedules associated with commercial driving may allow for better
long term planning when compared with the spontaneity of personal driving.
It is also felt that commercial drivers with diabetes would be more
responsible in controlling their condition since their livelihood depends
upon their job performance.

On the other hand, the long hours and occasional bouts of exercise
(unloading cargo) associated with commercial truck driving could lead to
more frequent reactions. Proper training and the planning of work schedules
to enable meal and testing breaks should minimize these risks.

When in the car, always carry with you all the equipment to deal with a
reaction. Do not store your insulin in the glove compartment as the heat
that builds up inside it can render insulin less effective. Make sure
everything you need to stop a reaction is within reach; do not pack your
kit in the trunk. If you feel the symptoms of a reaction coming on, pull
over immediately; do not think, "I'm almost there, I'll be fine until I
reach my destination."

If driving for a long period of time, stop and check your blood every four
hours. Driving should be limited to a maximum of 12 hours per day, with a
maximum of six consecutive hours between meals. Commercial drivers should
visit their physician and discuss a work schedule that is compatible with
their insulin regimen.

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