Dubai: Diabetics should not be banned from driving but be educated about their condition so that they are ready for the challenge when they take the wheel, specialists said.
Some countries such as the US ban diabetics from driving because the disease and its complications cause nerve damage and vision loss, while other countries require diabetics to undergo medical tests to show that they are fit to drive.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai already requires bus, truck, taxi and limousine drivers to undergo medical tests.
Dr Prakash Pania, specialist endocrinologist at Aster Medical Centre in Bur Dubai, said truck drivers who are diabetics are likely to undergo stress, especially after passing through check-points where they have to wait long periods, and may suffer from hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). But he said there are smart drugs today that can treat diabetes and no ban on diabetics driving light vehicles is necessary.
Patients who get behind the wheel should exercise proper dietary control and not allow their sugar levels to fluctuate wildly, Dr Pania added.
The symptoms of low insulin levels in the blood are dizziness, feeling light-headed and trembling. Hypoglycaemia occurs when the blood sugar level drops below 70 mg/dL.
The eating habits of many diabetics are erratic, Dr Pania said. He advised diabetics to carry snacks that do not spoil in the heat. “As soon as you feel the symptoms of low sugar levels, you should stop and eat [to bring the insulin levels up],” he said.
Dr Lalit Uchil, specialist physician at Mediclinic in Al Sufouh, said a large number of people (30 per cent) are not aware that they are diabetic as there are no symptoms of the disease (initially). He said there are diabetes education nurses to make patients aware of their condition, how to stick to a proper diet and keep track of their glucose levels with home monitoring.
Some patients lose sensation in their feet due to the disease, Dr Uchil said. “Many patients do not see the need to take care of themselves, unless they have seen someone in the family sufffer,” he said.
Dr Uchil said that given the socio-economic background of most patients, many would not have the money or time to take care of themselves.
The UAE has the second highest diabetes prevalence rate in the world, with about 20 per cent of residents suffering from the disease. Nearly three-quarters of these patients do not have their condition under control,
A senior officer at the Dubai Police told Gulf News that there is no law at present to ban diabetics from driving, but there are on-going discussions between the Ministry of Health and the RTA to bring in legislation to stop giving licence to people suffering from epilepsy, the elderly (whose reflexes are slow), those with neurological disorders and diabetics. “For your safety and for the safety of others, take a taxi or get a driver,” he advised those with the conditions.
