Weird DUI: Diabetes and Blood Sugar

There are legitimate health concerns that can affect a person’s ability to drive safely. In some cases, those health issues may also test the validity of a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test, whether a police breathalyzer or an ignition interlock device. A weird DUI myth about blood sugar may actually have some legs, particularly when it comes to the dangers of driving. However, blood sugar, hypoglycemia, or diabetes is still not an excuse for drinking and driving.

There is a weird DUI connection to blood sugar and BAC testing, both biologically and behaviorally.

Anyone who has hypoglycemia or low blood sugar understands the sluggish feeling and foggy head when sugar levels drop. Some people get headaches or cranky, others may pass out. All of that, when driving, can make it difficult to operate the vehicle safely. On top of that, it has been shown that hypoglycemic people produce more acetone, which can register on a BAC test (breathalyzer or interlock).

None of that means that a person with diabetes or hypoglycemia can be excused from a DUI or drunk driving charge. It is actually difficult, if not impossible, to use diabetes or blood sugar issues as an excuse for drinking and driving. No matter what, a drunk driving charge is based upon the presence of alcohol in the system. Even if the BAC reading is below the legal .08 percent limit, a person who is driving dangerously can still be charged with a DUI. If that danger is due to blood sugar problems, the consensus is that the driver already knew they had physical problems that could impair their driving. Then they chose to drink. That is not a weird DUI, that is just asking for trouble.

The risks of impaired driving, whether by BAC, bad health or just a bad mood are obvious. Taking care of your health means eating right, limiting alcohol, and never getting behind the wheel if you go over the limit.