Published: 8 December, 2025 With the rebirth of the family road trip boosting the local tourism sector, it’s likely many of your clients are planning a driving holiday this summer. As a health professional, you can make a big difference by raising the topic of safe driving during regular diabetes care. Start the safety conversation early While Aussies love the freedom and flexibility of hitting the road, anyone living with diabetes needs to take a few extra precautions to stay safe. If your client is new to using insulin or a glucose-lowering medicine that can cause hypoglycaemia (e.g. sulphonylureas), bring up driver safety early – don’t wait for an incident. Remind all people living with diabetes, regardless of the medications they take, that they must be fit to drive Even people who have had diabetes for a while may be unaware of the driving regulations and requirements, which vary across Australian states and territories. You can refer them to the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) webpage for more details. Don’t drive under five Remind clients that driving safely is part of effectively managing their diabetes. If they use insulin or take some types of glucose-lowering medicines, they must plan for the risk of hypoglycaemia (hypo). A hypo (low blood glucose levels) impairs concentration, vision, and coordination, all of which are critical for driving safely. In severe cases, your client may lose consciousness or have a seizure, creating danger for them and others on the road. The NDSS diabetes and driving quick guide is a useful reference for health professionals and their clients with diabetes. During diabetes care appointments, you can reinforce your client’s responsibility to minimise the risk of a hypo while driving, such as: Checking your blood glucose before driving and every two hours on long trips Not driving if your level is below 5.0 mmol/L (“don’t drive under five” guideline) Sticking to regular mealtimes and stopping regularly for snack breaks (every two hours) Knowing the early warning signs of a hypo and how to treat one (including pulling over safely if driving) Carrying fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, juice, or jellybeans, within easy reach, as well as longer-acting carbohydrates. Clients who have experienced a severe hypo (one requiring assistance) must not drive until a diabetes specialist (such as an endocrinologist) has cleared them to do so. Tailor your advice to your client You know your client and their lifestyle. If you’re chatting about an upcoming driving holiday, help them plan for this scenario by: Asking them what they usually do to prepare for a road trip Getting them to explain what they would do if their blood glucose dropped while driving Discussing strategies for hot weather, regional travel or solo trips Encouraging them to share their plans with others they are travelling with Reminding them to contact their motor vehicle insurer if they haven’t told them about their diabetes. Road tripping with confidence By having a conversation with your clients about driving and diabetes, and by providing them with reliable resources, such as the NDSS Diabetes and driving quick guide, you can help them enjoy a driving holiday with confidence. Apart from supporting them to stay safe, you’ll hear all about their adventures at the next appointment.
