Driving and Hypoglycemia

Having a hypo whilst driving can be very dangerous

If you are diabetic and treat your diabetes with insulin, hypoglycemia whilst driving may be one of your biggest concerns.

Having a hypo whilst driving is both frightening and dangerous so it’s important that hypoglycemia is avoided.

If you have type 2 diabetes and treat your diabetes with tablets, there is also the chance that you may experience a hypo whilst driving.

How to avoid becoming hypo whilst driving

• Always test your blood sugar before driving
• Take regular breaks to test your blood sugar
• Never drive if your blood sugar is low – under 4.0 mmols/l
• Avoid driving when tired or on medications that may cause drowsiness
• Have glucose sweets to hand

Even for short journeys hypoglycemia can be dangerous, so test before each journey.

Shopping can lower blood glucose so test before the journey back as well as the journey there.

It is recommended to take a break at least every 2 hours to test your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is low, treat the hypoglycemia with fast acting glucose and some slower acting carbohydrate to cover you for the rest of the journey.

Remove the ignition key and move into the passenger seat. This is to avoid any suggestion that you may be "under the influence" whilst in charge of a car.

Do not drive on until your blood sugar has risen above 4.0 mmols/l and you feel fully alert. Following hypoglycemia judgements may be impaired for up to an hour so it is worth giving your body plenty of time to recover.

If you are tired or taking medication that may induce drowsiness, feeling lethargic will not only make you less alert on the road but could affect your ability to recognise low blood sugar as well.

Hypoglycemia symptoms whilst driving

As hypoglycemia whilst driving is a dangerous situation, it’s essential to be aware of your hypo symptoms. If you notice any change in how you’re feeling or your ability to concentrate, make hypoglycaemia your first consideration.

Common symptoms whilst driving could include:

• Staying in lane may take more concentration
• Finding it more difficult to focus your eyes
• Changes in body temperature - having a warm flush or suddenly feeling cold
• Starting to feel tired and/or yawning
• Feeling a tingling sensation, particularly in your fingers, lips or tongue
• A rise in your heart beat
• Feeling hungry
• Difficulty making decisions
• Stronger emotions than usual, such as angry, frustrated, worried, confused

If you notice one of these symptoms, take a break and test your blood sugar. Try to remember to remove the key from the ignition and test in the passenger seat as advised above.

Hypo awareness and driving

If you suffer from hypo unawareness, that is you have difficulty recognising hypo warning symptoms, the DVLA states that you should not drive.

If hypo awareness recovers, you may resume driving but the recovery of hypoglycaemia awareness must be confirmed by a consultant or GP.

Can hypoglycemia affect my licence?

You must inform the DVLA if you have had any episodes of hypoglycemia requiring assistance (termed as disabling hypoglycemia) within the previous year. You should also inform the DVLA if your awareness of hypoglycemia has become impaired.

What if I have an accident whilst hypo?

If you have an accident whilst you are hypoglycemic, you should get legal advice and the support of your diabetes care team.