Stop driving immediately if blood sugar level drops - Dubai government announces

Doctors in the UAE have issued a strong warning to diabetic patients to immediately stop driving if they experience symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) while driving. This risk has garnered increased attention recently, with Abu Dhabi Police also urging drivers, especially those with diabetes, to refrain from driving under such conditions.

Doctors point out that even a slight drop in blood sugar levels can severely affect a driver's attention, reaction time, and decision-making ability.

Explaining the scientific background of this condition, Dr. Mohamed Mustafa Elsheikh, Consultant in Internal Medicine at Al Falahi Burjeel Medical Center, states that glucose is an essential factor for brain function. When blood glucose levels fall below normal, the brain does not receive the necessary energy, weakening its cognitive abilities. This adversely affects a driver's decision-making ability even before severe symptoms appear, and can progress to conditions such as confusion, slowed thinking, and sometimes loss of consciousness or seizures. Symptoms such as sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, extreme hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and unusual irritability have been identified as early warning signs.

According to Dr. Sushil Sonawane, an endocrinologist at NMC Specialty Hospital in Al Ain, drivers may often behave abnormally due to low blood sugar levels. Examples include drifting out of lanes, inappropriate braking, excessive speeding, and disregarding traffic signals. A severe drop in blood sugar can lead to a driver losing self-control. Doctors point out that this risk is significantly higher for those who use insulin, skip meals, fast for long periods, and suffer from kidney or liver diseases. Furthermore, factors such as strenuous physical activity, alcohol consumption, dehydration, and intense heat can also cause a rapid drop in blood sugar levels.

To avoid this dangerous situation, medical advice has been given that checking blood sugar levels before driving should become a daily habit for diabetic patients. Before starting to drive, blood sugar levels should be at least 90 mg/dl (5 mmol/l), and it is essential to avoid driving on an empty stomach and to consume a balanced meal. It is very important to always keep glucose tablets, fruit juice or something sweet, and a glucometer within easy reach. If symptoms appear while driving, immediately pull the vehicle over to a safe place, turn off the engine, and quickly consume food or a drink that raises blood sugar. Driving should only be resumed after all symptoms have completely subsided and blood sugar levels have returned to normal. Furthermore, for long journeys, checking blood sugar levels every two hours, wearing a diabetic ID or medical bracelet for emergencies, and keeping emergency contact information in the vehicle will be especially beneficial for elderly drivers.