Driving for extended periods of time can be troublesome or even dangerous for diabetic drivers. Long commutes and summer road trips can potentially lead to low blood sugar. If left untreated for a considerable length of time, serious and life-threatening effects can occur, such as loss of consciousness.

How diabetes affects safe driving

Diabetes differs from each individual to the next. However, many of the common effects of the disease can hinder your ability to drive safely.

Blood sugar levels

If your blood sugar levels are inconsistent for too long, it can make you feel very fatigued, dizzy, tired and lowers your alertness. In extreme circumstances, low blood sugar can cause a person to have a seizure or pass out.

Vision

Without insulin, you may experience blurred or sudden loss of vision. Diabetic retinopathy causes damage to the retina and can result in dark spots interrupting your vision.

Sensory

Untreated diabetes can result in nerve damage, which can cause pain, tingling or total loss of feeling in the hands, legs and feet.

Warning signs of unsafe driving

If you have experienced any of these signs, you may need to make some alterations to your driving strategy or have someone assess your driving for safety.

• Difficulty staying alert and oriented.

• Trouble operating the gas pedal or brake due to pain or loss of feeling in feet.

• Inability to fasten your seatbelt or operate controls.

• Difficulty seeing objects or people.

Here are some things you can do to combat the onset of dangerous effects of diabetes:

• Pack snacks, drinks and blood sugar testing supplies.

• Store insulin in a cooler or insulated container.

• Always wear your medical ID tag.

• Test your blood glucose before leaving. If it is 70 milligrams per deciliter or lower, eat or drink something to raise it quickly and wait until it returns to normal before entering your vehicle.

• Know where restaurants and grocery stores are along your route.

Be sure that you're protected with the most reliable car insurance in Sussex and its surrounding regions. Contact Fundy Mutual today to connect with a friendly New Brunswick company that cares about your well being, not just your wallet.