Diabetes and driving

             

                

Diabetes is an imbalanced sugar level that can either increase due to the deficiency of insulin hormone or decrease due to reduced intake of food or overdose of insulin. Both extreme levels can either cause the damage of an organ or cost the life of the patient.  The sugar level fluctuates readily.  Driving is a careful exercise that requires smooth coordination between the eyes, ears, the brain and the limbs. A low sugar level can obstruct the vision and can cause fatal road accidents. 

Diabetes and driving – factors increasing the risk

Let’s take a look at how dangerous the diabetic condition of the driver can result in:

• Hypoglycemia : This condition is a result of low glucose level characterized by shakiness, dizziness, sweating, hunger, moodiness, jerky movements, seizure or difficulty in paying attention. 

• Eye Disease: Diabetes can increase the chances of developing eye diseases such as retinopathy, cataract and corneal opacities. These conditions are associated blurry vision and incorrect judgment of movements. 

• Peripheral neuropathy : This condition impairs the nerves and can cause one of the following symptoms: numbness of limbs, extreme sensitivity to touch, lack of coordination, muscle weakness or paralysis.

• Peripheral vascular disease: The narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the lower limbs of the body can drastically inhibit limb movement. Symptoms include impotence, pain and non-healing of sores. 

• Lower limb amputation: This condition can be caused due to vehicle accidents, poor circulation of blood , diabetes or cancer. 

Diabetic driver must be cautious of the fatal circumstances that may occur during long driving routes and plan their accordingly. Frequent breaks and check up during the journey is advised as immediate measures can be taken such as improving the low glucose level with the intake of juices of sweet stuffs.