| Sub-title | |
| Authors | S Vella M J Cachia |
| Abstract | Hypoglycaemia, a common side-effect of insulin therapy for diabetes, may be associated with significant morbidity and interfere with everyday activities such as driving. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that cognitive functions which are critical to driving, such as visual information processing, attention reaction times and hand-eye coordination are impaired by hypoglycaemia, resulting in an increased risk of car crashes. This is particularly relevant for drivers receiving intensive insulin therapy. Patients should be advised to test blood glucose before driving, ensure an emergency carbohydrate supply, carry a blood glucose meter at all times when driving, and allow an adequate time to recover before resuming their journey if they should experience hypoglycaemia when driving. Results from a cohort of twenty consecutive insulin treated Maltese diabetic drivers presenting to Diabetes Clinic at St Luke's Hospital suggests little compliance in this regard, and forms the basis of a further in-Departmenth study currently being carried out. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 18 Supplement |
| Page | |
| Date | 01/12/2006 |
| Link to journal | |
| Key words | diabetes, driving, glucose meter, hypoglycaemia, insulin |