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Driving

Accu-Chek Behind the wheel

Be mindful of other drivers and your diabetes.

All different types of people drive for a variety of different reasons. You may drive your family to the shops on weekends or drive to and from work. You may drive for leisure or driving may be essential to your job. All drivers can enjoy the privilege of being able to get in a vehicle and drive to another location.

Whilst driving you can experience good or bad journeys, these different types of journeys bring different emotions. If you have had a good journey you may feel relaxed and calm. If however you experience a bad journey your stress levels can fluctuate and this may have an effect on your blood glucose levels. Normally these bad journeys are a result of things that are beyond your control!

Whilst driving a vehicle it is important for you to remain in control at all times, the same can be said with managing diabetes. Having diabetes requires you to take control of your condition and be aware of how it might impact you and other drivers on the road.

For assistance, advice and information to help you manage your condition whilst driving the Accu-Chek Team are pleased to provide the following information.

To view results from the Accu-Chek Drivers Survey held in Spring 2011 click here

To view the DVLA guidelines click here

Practice safe driving

Before you drive you should check your blood glucose and take steps to prevent a hypo. Always carry a blood glucose meter and during long journeys you are advised to test every two hours. Don’t forget to pack a sweet or a fast acting carbohydrate snack. As soon as you recognise the signs of a hypo, you should find a safe place to stop.

Most accidents happen because people ignore the warning signs. To make it clear you are no longer in control of the car, take the key out of the ignition. It is also advisable to move from the driving seat as soon as you are able. After the episode, you should wait at least 45 minutes before continuing your journey.

Studies have shown that many drivers with insulin-treated diabetes are unclear about the DVLA recommendations. This information should also be available from your health care professional. Research shows that many patients ignore this advice.¹

Taking a few simple steps can prevent hypoglycaemia behind the wheel. Remember to test before you drive and regularly break a long journey to test (every 2 hours). Don’t drive when you are tired or hungry. Take quick steps to manage a hypo and allow enough time to recover before continuing your journey.

Being aware of the risk and taking a few simple steps can help to keep you and others safe on the roads.

For further information please refer to the DVLA guidelines click here

 

1 Bodansky DMS. Practical Diabetes Int. 26(8): 318–321. October 2009.

http://www.practicaldiabetes.com/SpringboardWebApp/userfiles/espdi/file/OA%20Bod.pdf

Back

• Practice safe driving
• Be prepared
• Who is at risk
• Driving with diabetes and your driving licence
• Driving and your healthcare professional
• Further information on driving and diabetes

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The Accu-Chek Mobile

Strip Free technology – 50 tests on a continuous tape. Allows you to test virtually whenever and wherever you want.

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