Each time my 17-year-old daughter walks out the back door with car keys in hand, I shout out “drive safely!” She is probably tired of hearing this, but for some reason uttering it makes me feel better. Even though I know she is a good driver, what I am really saying is “be defensive, be vigilant and don’t text or play the music too loud.”
It’s true that there are certain populations of drivers that are at a higher risk for motor vehicle accidents, including teens, those with untreated sleep apnea, ADHD and diabetes.
The recently released 2012 Clinical Practice Recommendations for Diabetes includes a new section on diabetes and driving. This document “provides an overview of existing licensing rules for people with diabetes, addresses the factors that impact driving for this population, and identifies general guidelines for assessing driver fitness and determining appropriate licensing restrictions.”
Though certainly not every patient with diabetes is at an increased risk for an auto accident, studies have shown that “moderate hypoglycemia significantly and consistently impairs driving safety.”
This is a nice reminder for health care professionals who work with patients with diabetes to assess individual risk and make appropriate recommendations for safe driving. Even though we may not be able to shout, “drive safely!” to our patients with diabetes, I think we can, and should, address any safety concerns (hypoglycemia, impaired vision, etc.) during our Diabetes Self-Management Education sessions.
Have you ever discussed safe driving during a Conversation Map session? Certainly Map 1, On The Road to Better Managing Your Diabetes with the driving theme might be a good place to start. Maybe you could initiate this conversation with at-risk patients when you arrive at the section with the bus that focuses on hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. You could also discuss the topic during the Map 4 session, Continuing Your Journey with Diabetes.
As most teenagers will tell you, the ability to drive brings great independence, but remains a privilege that can be taken away.
How do you broach the subject of safe driving with your patients, if at all?
Cathy
Excellent suggestion. Although I have not been diagnosed with diabetes, I have experienced hypoglycemia, once on my way to a medical appointment. It was many years ago but I remember not being able to see the tires on the automobile in front of me. Ever since, I’ve carried a protein bar in my purse and it’s often come in handy.
Thanks so much for your comment Patricia!
The best solution is often the one that we discover, implement, and is successful.