The summer is a popular time to go on a trip. People who have diabetes can travel exactly the same way as people who doesn’t have diabetes, but there are some important things to keep in mind.
Going on a road trip this summer? Great idea! Don’t let time fly by without checking your blood sugars. Remember your blood sugar needs to be at least a 5.0 mmol/L to drive. If your blood sugar is between 4-5 mmol/L eat a carbohydrate snack before driving. Every 4 hours make sure to check your blood sugar and stretch your legs. If you get a low blood sugar while driving you need to pull over to the side of the road right away, have 15 g of fast acting carbohydrates (3/4 cup of juice or regular pop, or 1 tablespoon of honey or 4 dex tabs). Wait 15 minutes, check your blood sugar and once it is a 4 or higher either eat your meal, or if your next meal is more than 1 hour away have a carbohydrate and protein snack. Do not drive until at least 40 minutes after successful treatment of hypoglycemia, and until your blood sugar level has increased to at least 5.0 mmol/L.
