Diabetes and Driving Safety

Did the question you miss have anything to do with not driving on sidewalks?  :-)

I agree with you that it is frustrating to be quesitoned by people who don't know the first thing about diabetes.  I also agree that we need to do all we can to stay safe on the roads.

Sorry to hear about the hassle you had getting your driver's license renewed. I live in Minnesota and have had mine renewed once  since I was diagnosed. I was a bit worried when I put down that I was a diabetic, however they only asked me if I was on insulin or not and when I explained that I was not, the process quickly moved ahead without any further delay. Do you know if the fact that you are on insulin made a difference for you with re: the many questions, paperwork, and delay?  I hope not.

Twincitieskid (Jerry)

I went to renew my license, because the DMV actually took it away. I am diabetic, Type 1, and have been for 17 years. When I turned 16 I wanted to get my permit, but my doctor at the time told me no. For no reason. I checked my blood sugars and took my insulin. So i waited until I was 18. I am now 22, and have had multiple problems with driving just because no one seems to know what the heck diabetes is. I just had my first child 8 months ago. Shortly after her birth I got a bunch of papers in the mail with a letter from the DMV. The letter stated that I had a week to get all papers filled out by the doctors. I not only have to go to the endocrinoligist an hour away, but also the eye doctor. I could not just jump up and do this with my newborn, and by week two I recieved another letter stating that if I was caught driving I would be fined because my license was revoked. I am now trying once more to get my license back. I am having to spend $200 on the eye appointment alone. I am trying to fight this problem with the DMV. The only thing they can tell me is that it is for my saftey and the saftey of others. I can understand that if i didn't take care of my diabetes. The thing is I do, and it really seems like since they have no idea what diabetes is, they want to make you do all this stupid stuff. Anyways, just wanted to let you know I live in North Carolina, and it is like that here too. Maybe if we all fight together it might make a difference. We aren't going to just drive over people because we are diabetic. We can still think and function. 

I have been looking for an answer like this for awhile!  I have lived in CA for 4 years and have been type 1 for almost 10 (also on a pump).  When I first applied for my license, the question said something like: "do you have any symptoms that would prevent you from driving?" and then gave examples like loss of consciousness or siezures.  Since I have never had either, I said no.  Got my license.  Now it's time for my renewal (got it in the mail) and the question asks if my health has changed and then says: you must tell the DMV if you have any disorder that could affect your ability to drive. For example, Diabetes, epilepsy, etc." I didn't know how to answer the question! My health hasn't changed, but I do have diabetes.  I don't want to lie, but I didn't want to be hassled.  Thank you so much for your answer.  It tells me that I may not have as big a fight as I thought!  Thanks!