Irregular blood glucose levels occur in about 10% of people according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – a medical condition called diabetes. Blood sugar levels become irregular when a person is diabetic because their pancreas is no longer able to control insulin production. Blood sugar that is too high or low can cause coma or death, and sustained damage to internal organs by uncontrolled glucose may also result in fatality. 

You should also be aware that unregulated sugar in a diabetic can be mistaken for intoxication, which is likely to be an issue if stopped by law enforcement. Find out how we can help you after a DUI arrest below. 

Alchohol Intoxication & Irregular Blood Sugar Levels 

Low blood sugar is common with diabetes and can cause confusion, slurred speech, delayed reactions, fatigue, and other symptoms that might look like intoxication at first glance. Although a person with hypoglycemia may be able to pass a breathalyzer test, it’s unlikely that they would do well on field sobriety tests.

Diabetes Can Score Higher On Breathalyzer Tests 

When blood sugar levels rise, diabetics face another threat of arrest. Breath testing data can be skewed when mouth alcohol – produced by increased glucose – just registers as being drunk. Furthermore, the officer could attempt to strengthen his case against you by listing other symptoms of a diabetic with high blood sugar as symptoms of intoxication, like a flushed face or the need to drink water or use the restroom frequently. 

Driving Safety Tips For Diabetics 

If you have diabetes, here are some simple but effective tips for lowering the chances you have of getting a DUI: 

  • Make sure your blood sugar is within the limits for safe driving 
  • Bring things with you to adjust your blood sugar. 
  • Stop driving and pull over to the side of the road if you start to feel your glucose changing. 
  • Make changes to your glucose readings by eating snacks or using insulin depending on whether your sugar is too high or too low. 
  • Let the police know that your blood glucose levels may be off if you’re stopped. 

Get Help Fighting a DUI Charge 

If you were pulled over for a bogus DUI, you have legal options available to you. Call Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer Michael T. Rabideau (561) 820-4848 today to book a free consultation to discuss your case in detail.