Diabetes and driving
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Abstract
This review article aims to examine the knowledge regarding the risk of traffic accidents among diabetic patients, complications affecting driving safety, risk assessment approaches, and policies in various countries. A systematic literature review from 1961 to 2019 reveals that diabetic patients have a 1.10-1.76 times higher risk of traffic accidents compared to the general population, particularly among those with frequent hypoglycemic episodes and a history of hypoglycemia-related accidents, where the risk increases significantly. Major complications affecting driving safety include hypoglycemia, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and sleep apnea, which is found in 50-80% of type 2 diabetes patients. Risk assessment guidelines should be individualized, considering the history of hypoglycemic episodes, symptom awareness, and the presence of complications.
Many countries have established guidelines for issuing driving licenses to diabetic patients, distinguishing between private and commercial drivers, and setting conditions for periodic monitoring. These include restrictions on driving for 3-6 months following severe hypoglycemic episodes, requirements for blood glucose monitoring before and during driving, and assessment of complications that may affect safety. However, implementing these guidelines in practice remains challenging. Cooperation from all sectors is necessary to promote driving safety among diabetic patients. The review provides comprehensive information about diabetic drivers' risks, complications, assessment approaches, and regulatory frameworks across different countries, emphasizing the need for individualized assessment and monitoring to ensure road safety while maintaining mobility for people with diabetes.
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บทความที่พิมพ์ในวารสารสถาบันป้องกันควบคุมโรคเขตเมือง ถือว่าเป็นผลงานวิชาการ งานวิจัยและวิเคราะห์ ตลอดจนเป็นความเห็นส่วนตัวของผู้เขียนเอง ไม่ใช่ความเห็นของสถาบันป้องกันควบคุมโรคเขตเมือง หรือคณะบรรณาธิการแต่ประการใด ผู้เขียนจำต้องรับผิดชอบต่อบทความของตน
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