diabetes. For most people, driving represents. freedom, control and In the short term, diabetes can make your. blood glucose (sugar) levels too high or …
find a specialist near you, call the Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists at 1-800-290-2344 or go to their website at wwwadednet You also can call hospitals and rehabilitation facilities to find an occupational therapist who can help with the driving skills assessment
Call Easter Seals Project ACTION Accessible Community Transportation In Our Nation at 1-800-659-6428 or go to their website
wwwprojectactionorg
Where do I find out more about diabetes?
Your first step is to talk with your
What if I have to cut back or give up driving?
You can keep your independence even if
diabetes health care team You also can contact the: American Diabetes Association 1-800-342-2383
you have to cut back or give up on your driving It may take planning ahead on your part, but planning will help get you to the places you need to go and to the people you want to see Consider:
wwwdiabetesorg
rides with family and friends; taxi cabs; shuttle buses or vans; public buses, trains and subways; and walking
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse 1-800-860-8747
Healthfinder
Driving When You Have
wwwdiabetesniddknihgov wwwhealthfindergov
Diabetes
Also, senior centers and
religious and
other local service groups often offer transportation services for older adults in your community
You also can get a copy of Age Page On
Who can I call for help with transportation?
Call the ElderCare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 and ask for the phone number of your local Office on Aging, or go to their website at wwweldercaregov
Older Drivers from the National Institute on Aging by calling 1-800-222-2225, or by going to their website at wwwnianihgov/ health/agepages/drivershtm
Wear your safety belt
Always wear your safety belt when you
are driving or riding in a car Make sure that every person who is riding with you also is buckled up Wear your safety belt even if your car has air bags
Contact your regional transit authority to find out which bus or train to take
Driving when you have diabetes
For most people, driving represents
Can I still drive with diabetes?
Yes, people with diabetes are able to drive
freedom, control and competence Driving enables most people to get to the places they want or need to go For many people, driving is important economically some drive as part of their job or to get to and from work
Driving is a complex skill Our ability
to
drive safely can be affected by changes in our physical, emotional and mental condition This brochure is designed to give you the information you need to talk to your health care team about driving and diabetes
unless they are limited by certain complications of diabetes These include severe low blood glucose levels or vision problems If you are experiencing diabetes-related complications, you should work closely with your diabetes health care team to find out if diabetes affects your ability to drive If it does, discuss if there are actions you can take to continue to drive safely
glucose again Treat again as needed Once your glucose level has risen to your target range, eat a more substantial snack or meal containing protein Do not continue driving until your blood glucose level has improved
Most people with diabetes experience
What can I do to ensure that I can drive safely with diabetes?
Insulin and some oral medications can
warning signs of a low blood glucose level However, if you experience hypoglycemia without advance warning, you should not drive Talk to your health care team about how glycemic awareness training might help you sense the beginning stages of
hypoglycemia
In extreme situations, high blood glucose
How can having diabetes affect my driving?
In the short term, diabetes can make your
blood glucose sugar levels too high or too low As a result, diabetes can make you:
Feel sleepy or dizzy Feel confused Have blurred vision Lose consciousness or have a seizure In the long run, diabetes can lead to
cause blood glucose levels to become dangerously low hypoglycemia Do not drive if your blood glucose level is too low If you do, you might not be able to make good choices, focus on your driving or control your car Your health care team can help you determine when you should check your blood glucose level before driving and how often you should check while driving
Make sure you always carry your blood
levels hyperglycemia also may affect driving Talk to your health care team if you have a history of very high glucose levels to determine at what point such levels might affect your ability to be a safe driver
The key to preventing diabetes-related
eye problems is good control of blood glucose levels, good blood pressure control and good eye care A yearly exam with an eye care professional is essential
If you are
experiencing long-term
problems that affect driving Diabetes may cause nerve damage in your hands, legs and feet, or eyes In some cases, diabetes can cause blindness or lead to amputation
glucose meter and plenty of snacks including a quick-acting source of glucose with you Pull over as soon as you feel any of the signs of a low blood glucose level Check your blood glucose
If your glucose level is low, eat a snack
that contains a fast-acting sugar such as juice, soda with sugar not diet, hard candy, or glucose tablets Wait 15 minutes, and then check your blood
complications of diabetes such as vision or sensation problems, or if you have had an amputation, your diabetes health care team can refer you to a driving specialist This specialist can give you on and offroad tests to see if, and how, your diabetes is affecting your driving The specialist also may offer training to improve your driving skills
Improving your driving skills could help
keep you and others around you safe To
Source:scrmc.org
