Car crash news
09/12/2009
Careful diabetics may have greater risk of car accident

Diabetics who keep a careful watch on their blood-sugar levels could be at greater risk of having a car crash through having a black-out caused by low blood sugar, according to a new report.

Researchers at Toronto University, Canada, looked at diabetes sufferers who had been in a car accident and found those who used an intensive insulin treatment regime had lower blood-sugar levels than average, causing hypoglycaemic symptoms and this may have contributed to their crashes.

Although diabetics need to keep the insulin balance in their bodies under control, the correct amount for each person is a difficult balancing act because levels which are too high or too low can both be dangerous for different reasons.

Most people with diabetes can drive quite safely without undue worry that a hypoglycaemic attack will cause them to have a vehicle accident, however the DVLA must be informed and a questionnaire filled in by sufferers.

Checking blood-sugar levels before starting a journey and having some sweet food or drink available may help diabetics avoid a car crash and suffering a personal injury.