How to Drive a Semi With Diabetes

Any time you drive a semi, you are putting other people's lives at risk because semi accidents are very common. When you have a health condition that is as serious as diabetes, it is important to be especially careful when driving a semi. If your blood sugar is not kept at the right level, it is possible for you to go into a coma, faint or experience another injury that could cause an accident.

Things You'll Need

• Glucose meter
• Snacks
• Insulin shots or medication

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Instructions

• 1

  Monitor your blood sugar level prior to driving. It is important for your blood sugar to be above 100 mg/dL at all times. If your blood sugar is not this high, then it is important for you to eat something to raise it. Unless it reaches this level, you should avoid driving the semi for the sake of your own health and the safety of others.

• 2

  Check your blood sugar level every two to three hours while you are driving. Many diabetics experience a drop in their blood sugar after a few hours. If your blood sugar level drops below 100 mg/dL at any point, it is necessary for you to pull over and eat. Do not resume driving until your blood sugar levels are high enough again.

• 3

  Keep a snack in the semi at all times in case your blood sugar levels drop. Bananas, whole wheat crackers, yogurt, graham crackers and healthy breakfast cereal are all excellent choices. It is important to talk to your doctor about how often you should eat a snack. Eating on time will help prevent your blood sugar levels from dropping

• 4

  Remember to take your insulin shots as instructed by your doctor. Waiting until you reach the next stop to take your insulin may seem easy or ideal. This can be very dangerous to your health, however. Taking insulin at the right time is an essential key to good health for diabetics.

• 5

  Take note of how you feel while taking oral medication before making the decision to drive a semi. A side effect of many medications that are taken orally is drowsiness. Talk to your doctor about proper dosages and whether there are any similar drugs that you can try in order to prevent the side effect of drowsiness.