Professional drivers, like any other occupational group in the workplace, are faced with a range of occupational risks. Apart from the road and vehicle accidents to which they are exposed during work, many years of professional activity increase the driver’s vulnerability to a number of serious health risks. Despite their moving work environment, many drivers observe a sedentary lifestyle, which is a major risk factor for diabetes.

Defining diabetes
Diabetes is a serious health condition characterized mainly by high blood sugar levels. It is often associated with the failure, long-term damage, and dysfunction of certain organs in the body, which include the eyes, nerves, kidneys, blood vessels, and the heart.

Diabetes is usually caused by the failure of the pancreas to secrete insulin and the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin. These usually occur as a result of the destruction of beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and plays an important role in maintaining a healthy and optimal blood sugar level.

Apart from their sedentary lifestyle, many drivers engage in alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking, which increases their risk of diabetes. Despite the availability of treatments for diabetes, the government mandates diabetics with a BG of less than 70 mg/dl to stop or delay driving until they reach an optimal level of BG.

Can drivers drive with diabetes?
Yes, diabetics can still drive. However, they are subject to a number of restrictions and licensing requirements.

While some countries are completely discouraging diabetics from driving, there are others who question drivers about their diabetes, management plan, and other diabetes-related issues before deciding to restrict their drivers. The vehicle restriction and licensing depend heavily on the patient’s responses.

Effects of diabetes on driving
Long-term suffering from diabetes can also affect the health of motorists who affect their ability to drive. According to research, diabetes can trigger the onset of diabetic retinopathy. It is a condition best described by a loss of visual acuity or peripheral vision. In this regard, diabetic retinopathy may impair the driver’s ability to read traffic signs and street signs that could trigger the occurrence of vehicle accidents.

Diabetes can also trigger the onset of diabetic neuropathy characterized by the loss of sensation and sensation in the feet. This may interfere with the ability of the driver to exert adequate pressure on the brakes or to control vehicle speed.

Due to the extremely high or low blood sugar level, diabetes patients tend to experience a variety of symptoms while driving. These symptoms include loss of consciousness, seizures, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and blurred vision. In some cases, diabetes can lead to nerve damage in the hands, eyes, feet, and legs. It can even lead to blindness or trigger an amputation.

What to do to control diabetes while driving
Diabetes can be controlled and its symptoms managed effectively with the right treatment plan. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a number of complications, including strokes, heart disease, amputations, blindness, kidney failure, and nervous system disorders that may affect your ability to drive.

Always check your blood sugar level before driving. Never drive if your blood sugar is too low. Hypoglycemia can lead to difficulty concentrating and concentration problems and have a negative impact on your judgment. When driving bring a snack with fast-acting sugar. These foods include hard candy, glucose tablets, and juices.

*The author of this blog is not a medical professional and this article does not contain professional medical advice. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the contents of this article. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.