Low blood sugar levels, called hypoglycemia, can cause problems for diabetic drivers, said Dr. Katherine Chubinskaya with the Diabetes, Endocrine and Nutrition Center at Southwest Washington Medical Center.

“They may have a seizure as a result of the low blood sugar, or they can just lose consciousness,” Chubinskaya said Monday.

Compared with too-high blood sugar levels, “Low blood sugars are by far the most dangerous as far as causing the loss of control while driving,” she added. “The danger of the low sugar is, it can happen pretty fast.”

Low blood sugar can cause dizziness and confusion, and some diabetics don’t realize their blood sugar is getting low, a condition called “hypoglycemia unawareness,” Chubinskaya added.

Insulin shots and some oral medicines cause blood sugar levels to fall, but the problem can be managed if diabetics work with medical professionals, she said.

Diabetic drivers can avoid accidents by testing their blood sugar before getting into a car, the physician said.

They should take snacks in the car with them to raise their blood sugar, including cookies, candy and glucose tablets, she said.

Drivers with low blood sugar should pull over and deal with it before continuing their trip, Chubinskaya said.

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