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Driving mishaps among individuals with type 1 diabetes: a prospective study
Daniel J Cox1, Derek Ford, Linda Gonder-Frederick
1University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA. djc4f@virginia.edu
Diabetes Care
|November 27, 2009
Summary
Many people with type 1 diabetes experience driving mishaps due to hypoglycemia. This prospective study found over half of drivers reported incidents, highlighting risks associated with neuroglycopenia.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Traffic Safety
Background:
- Hypoglycemia-related neuroglycopenia impairs cognitive-motor skills, affecting driving safety.
- Previous studies indicated higher collision/citation rates for type 1 diabetes drivers versus spouses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide the first prospective data on neuroglycopenia-related driving performance impairments in individuals with type 1 diabetes.
Main Methods:
- 452 drivers with type 1 diabetes were screened across three centers.
- Participants reported monthly driving mishaps, including collisions, citations, and hypoglycemia while driving, over 12 months.
Main Results:
- 52% of drivers reported at least one hypoglycemia-related driving mishap.
- 5% reported six or more such events.
- Mishaps correlated with mileage, history of severe hypoglycemia, and insulin pump use.
Conclusions:
- A significant number of individuals with type 1 diabetes experience hypoglycemia-related driving events.
- Clinicians should assess patients' recent driving experiences with hypoglycemia and future risks.
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