Driving and diabetes
Published: Sat, Jul. 08, 2006 12:00AM
Modified Sat, Jul. 08, 2006 06:48AM
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close"Diabetic coma causes crash" was your headline on a tragic, local story (July 6). The term "diabetic coma" refers to extremely high blood glucose, usually in someone with untreated Type 1 diabetes or in someone who didn't know they had diabetes. It is caused by a condition called DKA, or diabetic ketoacidosis.
It is important to clarify to the public that the man in this situation was apparently suffering from hypoglycemia, which is low, not high blood sugar or blood glucose.
Hypoglycemia can be easily treated by the person with diabetes in the early stages. If the early symptoms of hypoglycemia are ignored or not recognized, however, low blood sugar will continue to drop until the person can lose the ability to control his or her movements and is temporarily dazed and confused.
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This is obviously a recipe for disaster for a driver. Most people with diabetes are vigilant about testing their blood sugar before driving and do stay safe.
This incident is sad, but rare. More information on diabetes and safe driving can be obtained from local diabetes nonprofits and Certified Diabetes Educators.
Kim Hanchette
Founder & Executive Director, Diabetes Management Solutions
Raleigh
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