What you must keep in mind when driving with diabetes: ‘Fluctuating blood sugar levels can…’

A person with untreated diabetic eye disease may not notice hazards on the road quickly enough, especially in low-light conditions or during sudden emergencies.

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | November 15, 2025 10:30 AM IST

5 min read

Diabetic drivers should be mindful of unusual sensations such as a sudden drop in energy, sweating, racing heartbeat, unexpected yawning, or difficulty keeping their eyes focused on the road (source: pexels)

Diabetes may get in the way of everyday functions when not managed properly. One such activity that can take a dangerous turn for diabetics is driving. According to a recent study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, diabetes increases crash risk, making patient-specific management crucial. But is driving a total no for diabetics? What are the risks, and how can they be managed? To understand this fully, we reached out to a few experts. Here’s what we found out.

How does diabetes affect vision and driving ability?

“Diabetes can affect vision in many ways, and this directly impacts a person’s driving ability. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can cause blurry vision, making it difficult to focus on the road,” notes Dr Priyamvada Bhasin, Medical Director, Specialist Comprehensive Ophthalmology, Squint & Vitreo-Retinal Specialist at Ratan Jyoti Netralaya, Gwalior.

But it’s not just the eyes that suffer. Dr Rachana Kishore Ubrangala, Consultant Endocrinologist at Dhee Hospitals, explains that diabetes can also affect brain alertness and focus. “Diabetes can interfere with the body’s ability to maintain steady energy levels and clear thinking, which are essential for safe driving. When glucose levels are unstable, the brain may not receive the consistent fuel it needs to stay alert. This imbalance can lead to lapses in attention or misjudgment during critical moments on the road.”

Diabetes can interfere with the body’s ability to maintain steady energy levels and clear thinking, which are essential for safe driving

Together, these visual and cognitive effects can make it difficult for diabetic drivers to process their surroundings quickly — a challenge that becomes especially risky in fast-moving traffic or at night.

Can diabetic eye conditions like retinopathy increase accident risk?

Unfortunately, yes. “Retinopathy damages the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss, blind spots, or difficulty seeing at night. A person with untreated diabetic eye disease may not notice hazards on the road quickly enough, especially in low-light conditions or during sudden emergencies,” says Dr Bhasin. “This delayed recognition of obstacles or inability to judge distances accurately raises the chances of road accidents,” she adds.

How often should diabetic drivers get their eyes checked?

“It is highly recommended that diabetic individuals undergo a comprehensive eye examination at least once a year. However, if someone is already showing signs of eye disease, more frequent check-ups may be necessary, as advised by their eye specialist,” says Dr Bhasin. Regular monitoring allows early detection of conditions like retinopathy, glaucoma, or cataracts, all of which can be more common among diabetic patients. By keeping track of eye health and addressing issues promptly, diabetic drivers can reduce their risk of vision-related accidents and continue to drive safely.

How do high or low blood sugar levels impact focus and reaction time?

“Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) releases stress hormones like adrenaline, causing shakiness, sweating, anxiety, and confusion. Severe lows can lead to slowed thinking, blurred vision, and in extreme cases, loss of consciousness or seizures,” explains Dr Dr Rachana Kishore Ubrangala, Consultant Endocrinologist at Dhee Hospitals. “High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can make mental processing sluggish, causing fatigue, irritability, and slower reflexes and reaction time. Both situations make it harder to respond quickly to traffic signals or unexpected movements of other vehicles,” she adds.

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Diabetic individuals must undergo a comprehensive eye examination at least once a year, as per medical experts

What signs should diabetic drivers watch for to avoid accidents?

“Drivers should be mindful of unusual sensations such as a sudden drop in energy, sweating, racing heartbeat, unexpected yawning, or difficulty keeping their eyes focused on the road,” says Dr Ubrangala. “Paying attention to these small cues allows the driver to act before performance is affected.” She also points out that cognitive changes are just as important to notice. “If you find yourself zoning out, feeling unusually irritable, or having trouble processing directions, it might not just be fatigue, it could be fluctuating glucose levels interfering with concentration.”

Also Read | This is what you should do after being diagnosed with diabetes

What precautions can they take before driving?

“Avoid starting a long trip on an empty stomach. It is good to have a balanced meal or snack. Keep quick-acting glucose (glucose tablets, Glucon-D powder, or small candy) within reach. Stay well hydrated. Inform a travel companion about one’s condition and measures in case of low or high sugars,” advises Dr Ubrangala. “Use of a continuous glucose monitor with alerts set to sound during a journey can also help detect changes before they become dangerous,” she adds. “Good planning and awareness can make driving perfectly safe for most people with diabetes,” she concludes.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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