Published: 11 March, 2026 Driving is something most of us do every day, and it requires us to manage many things to safe while behind the wheel, including driver distractions, bad weather, and unexpected road situations. But if you live with diabetes and take insulin or some diabetes medications, driving safely also means managing your blood glucose levels (BGLs). By following some key safety tips, having regular diabetes heath checks and knowing your BGLs, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road. How blood glucose levels can affect driving High and low blood glucose levels can both impact your driving ability. However, the main safety concern when driving is a low blood glucose level or hypoglycaemia (a hypo). This is because a hypo can develop quickly, reducing your ability to think and react. The warning signs include: reduced concentration weakness trembling or shaking light-headedness or dizziness blurred vision headache. If you begin to feel symptoms of a hypo while driving, or if your continuous glucose monitor (CGM) alarms, you must pull over safely, stop the engine, and treat the hypo. If it is left untreated, a hypo can lead to unconsciousness and seizure, which increases the risk of a road accident. To find out what to do if you have hypo symptoms or a BGL below 5 mmol/L while driving, see page 3 of the NDSS Diabetes and driving quick guide. High blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia) can cause tiredness, blurred vision and poor decision-making, which can affect your ability to drive safely. If your blood glucose level is above your target range, or you feel unwell, it is important not to drive. Diabetes complications and driving Diabetes can cause long-term complications with your feet and eyes that may affect your ability to drive safely. High blood glucose levels over timer can cause changes to your vision, making it harder to see when driving. Nerve damage or poor blood flow to your feet can make it hard to feel the pedals. Hypo unawareness (unable to feel the early warning symptoms of a hypo) can also develop with long-term and frequent hypo events. Hypo unawareness increases your risk of having a severe hypo (unable to treat it yourself). This is dangerous for you and others on the road. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about hypo unawareness. Safety tips Before driving Talk with your diabetes health professional if you have concerns about driving, especially if you think you have hypo unawareness. After a severe hypo event, you must see a diabetes specialist (such as an endocrinologist) for clearance before you can drive. Your doctor can give you a referral. Always check your blood glucose level before driving. Do not drive if your level is below 5 mmol/L, above your target range, or if you feel unwell. Let your passengers know what to do if you have a hypo when driving. If you use CGM, make sure your low-glucose alarms are on. Make sure you have enough hypo supplies to last the journey. During driving If you feel unwell or have hypo symptoms while driving, stop the vehicle, turn off your engine, and treat your hypo. Do not start driving again until your level is above 5 mmol/L for at least 30 minutes. On longer trips, check your blood glucose level every two hours. Don’t skip meals or snacks. On longer trips, stop every two hours for a snack break. After driving Always remove your meter and strips from the vehicle. Heat and light can damage them. Check your diabetes and hypo supplies regularly. Make sure you have regular diabetes health checks. These help you stay on top of your diabetes and find any problems early that could affect your ability to drive safely. Every time you plan, prepare and respond with confidence, you’re showing that diabetes doesn’t hold the keys – you do. To learn more about diabetes and driving, including driver’s licence rules and frequently asked questions, visit the NDSS Driving and diabetes webpage.
