Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about having a safe and healthy spring break. If you’re planning a road trip this year — whether driving to the beach or the ski slopes or taking a family trip to visit relatives, you need to take extra precautions if you or your driver have diabetes.
Hypoglycemia — a drop in blood sugar — can be dangerous for drivers because it can slow reflexes. Joyce Barnett, a registered dietitian at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says it’s especially important for drivers with diabetes to avoid skipping scheduled meals or snacks, especially when taking insulin. Diabetics should keep carbohydrate-rich snacks handy in case of a drop in blood sugar — hard candy, glucose tabs and regular sodas are good for a quick sugar boost. Doctors recommend that you test blood sugar, eat something with sugar if blood sugar is low, then test again fifteen minutes later.
Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/nutrition to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical service in nutrition.
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March 2008
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