http://media.soundmedicine.org/segments/032413_4.mp3
Daniel Cox, Ph.D., director of the Center for Behavioral Medicine Research and professor of psychiatric medicine at the University of Virginia Health System, is leading a new project, “Diabetes Driving,” that looks at the driving history of people with type 1 diabetes. The extreme highs and lows of blood sugar caused by diabetes can lead to confusion, distorted thinking and eventually coma. According to Dr. Cox, people with type 1 diabetes need to self-police and manage their blood sugar levels before driving. Dr. Cox suggests keeping fast-acting carbohydrates, such as dextrose tablets, in the car in case of an emergency. If the car trip is longer than an hour, Dr. Cox recommends repeated blood glucose testing every hour or two.