Question for Diabetic Drivers

chewynut

So. Got the driving license. Got the car. Got the insurance. Also got type one diabetes.

I was wondering what kind of kit diabetic drivers take around with them. I'm aware of the things like testing your blood sugar levels before and after driving, as well as getting out from behind the wheel if you’re having a hypo so you’re not in control of the car.

I always have my test kit, insulin, glucose tablets and something to munch on so I don’t go up and then straight back down. But I was wondering if there was anything else diabetics take with them. Do you keep something in the car to identify yourself as diabetic in case you’re in a crash?

I’m wondering if it’s worth keeping spare money and emergency contacts etc in the glovebox. I know that must sound like overkill to non-diabetics but hypos are bad enough when you’re prepared for them. I don’t want to get caught out.

arbroath_lass

No offence but I don't think anyone is going to search your glovebox for medical details in an emergency. Especially as someone else could be driving your car. I don't think paramedics or doctors would use blood types etc either without testing. You could try something like a medicalert tag, though http://www.medicalert.org.uk/?gclid=CMad7IOqv7ACFW1ItAodeFF6qQ.

chewynut

Don't worry, none taken.

The only reason I'm considering putting it in the glovebox is because I'm terrible at remembering to carry this stuff with me all the time. I don't wear jewellery because I forget I've got it.

I guess I could hang the MedicAlert off of the mirror?

arbroath_lass

chewynut wrote: »

I guess I could hang the MedicAlert off of the mirror?

I honestly think you'd be wasting your money. Check with your local hospital if they would actually use any of this information first. If it hangs off the mirror (would actually be a distraction) then it could belong to anyone in the car at the time, or would be easily lost in a collision. If you're really keen on this a tattoo couldn't be lost but then you'd want it easily found...

I'm a biker and I do appreciate that you want medical help as quickly as possible - I'm just not sure you can do anything

chewynut

A tattoo raises a whole new bunch of issues because of the diabetes (such fun!) Piercing my ears took months to heal. I'd hate to think how long a tat would take.

I guess I'll take my chances with the medical stuff. Thanks

I'm still wondering what diabetics cart around with them.

mikey72

A drink is another thing, and yes, a medicalert is good, as the paramedics will then test anyone that can't tell them not to if they find one. The best place is wearing it, or put it in your wallet, or stick a note in there. Or get one of sticker type pouches and put it on the windscreen, (ones I've seen are just a cross from the outside, then you normally put your tablet list in the pouch, so you don't advertise to everyone) Anything helps.

EycplUK

Diabetic ! I just take the Wife ! Nuff Said ..............

JournalGirl

Please be aware that if you have a hypo from which you cannot assist yourself, you would be likely to lose your licence as the new rules are much stricter than before.

For this reason the DVLA advise that you check your sugar level regularly on long journeys, and before any short journey.

bobbyoscar

My husband's a recently diagnosed diabetic and this is something that we've also had to consider; he also needs to take Warfarin for a heart condition. He's bought an ID 'Medicalert' bracelet, which he never takes off. There's plenty of space on it to have engraved the medical condition(s) as well as relevant meds that 'someone' would need to know in case of an emergency.

He also makes sure that he keeps a 'snack' in the car, in case of an emergency.

worried_jim

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Living_with_diabetes/Driving/

chewynut

Thanks for the link, worried jim!

And don't worry. I've been diabetic for 19 years and I've never had a seriously bad one. I'd rather just be overprepared than stuck on the side of a road and underprepared somewhere.

I'll just make it up as I go along. Spare test kit, batteries, money, emergency contacts because my phone's a !!!!!! for going flat, sweets...