A common question that arises in teenagers with diabetes and their parents concerns getting a drivers license and the additional responsibilities that go along with it. As we all know, being diagnosed with diabetes carries with it some inherent side effects from both high or low blood glucose levels that don't mix well with driving at all. This is a very important decision in every family's life, not just those with diabetic teens. Diabetes just makes it that much more difficult. This decision should not be taken lightly and must be discussed with your diabetes care team.

All states require that you inform them of your condition when applying for a driver's license and many states also require a statement from a physician stating that your teen's condition is under adequate control and is physically able to drive.

The following is an excerpt from the U.S. Department of Transportation - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) DOT HS809 684 November 2003

Driving when you have diabetes

For most people, driving represents 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.

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 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.

Can I still drive with diabetes?

Yes, people with diabetes are able to drive 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.

What can I do to ensure that I can drive safely with diabetes?

Insulin and some oral medications can 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 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 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 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 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 complications of diabetes such as vision or sensation problems, or if you have had an amputation, your July 4, 2005st. This specialist can give you on and off-road 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 find a specialist near you, call the Assoc-iation of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists at 1-800-290-2344 or go to their website at www.aded.net. You also can call hospitals and rehabilitation facilities to find an occupational therapist who can help with the driving skills assessment.

What if I have to cut back or give up driving?

You can keep your independence even if 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:

rides with family and friends;
taxi cabs;
shuttle buses or vans;
public buses, trains and subways; and
walking.

This informaton was excerpted from the U.S. Department of Transportation - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) DOT HS809 684 November 2003

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Last Modified: September 1, 2006

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