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Driving Test Stress

Beetusjuice

Beetusjuice

Newbie
Messages
2
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
This a common problem for many people, with or without diabetes.

I've been trying to pass a driving test for a long time now, and every time test day comes round I get incredibly anxious. Blood glucose readings go way up with the stress and I can't help but feel it has a detrimental effect on my performance in the moment. Driving without the pressure of the test is generally fine.

I'm not convinced anyone can help but I'm getting desperate so wondering if anyone here has been through this and has any tips for handling it? The added administrative burden of trying to balance blood glucose while also concentrating on passing the test is becoming a real problem.

I've tried doing low carb meals before the test but it doesn't help, I'm still a sweating, brainless mess by the end of the (failed) test.
 
I wouldn't change your diet before your driving test. You are T1 so you do have to test for your insulin requirements.

Could you possibly arrange an early test, take your morning insulin and wait for your bolus when you have breakfast afterwards? So long you are over 5, that could take you through the test until you eat.

Some mindfulness exercises before the test might help.

Welcome to the forum, we're not a bad bunch. :)
 
xfieldok said:
I wouldn't change your diet before your driving test. You are T1 so you do have to test for your insulin requirements.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure what you mean by this?

Early morning could be a good idea, before any food needs to happen. Though I have found even without eating the stress will have it's wicked way with blood glucose. It's a funny thing, I'm sure this natural fight or flight response actually helps when your body can make use of the extra energy floating about.

Mindfulness is definitely key. I have tried meditation or going for walks before the test but as soon as I'm there it all goes out of the window. Guess I'm just primed at the moment to be triggered by the situation, I suspect I would benefit from changing things up a lot.

Coronavirus is going to put it all on hold for a while now anyway!
 
This is your mind playing tricks on you. Because you became stressed at the first test you then become fearful of the second one. And it perpetuates itself.

So before you even get to the test centre you've failed the test.

I am assume that you are a confident and competent driver up until test day??

"Visualise" yourself passing ! Don't think about failing. Every time thoughts enter your mind about failing, make a conscious effort to think about passing and where you're going to go on your first solo drive - and I don't mean the pub! ;)
 
What ever you do don't take a tranquilizer I know someone who did and ended up driving on the pavement during their test.

Mindfulness and calming meditation may help and when I am stressed I play calming music on my Mp3 player or phone wouldn't recommend it during the test but maybe just prior to the test.

Just have that picture of you throwing L plates away in your mind.

Good luck
 
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