When a cop suspects a person of drunk driving, it is typically because of his or her behavior behind the wheel. The cop may witness your car drifting into another lane or a general lack of coordination.
While this could indicate drunkenness, it can also indicate a different condition. After all, many conditions can mimic the signs of intoxication. Diabetes, particularly when a person’s blood sugar drops, can exhibit similar signs.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia
According to Mayo Clinic, hypoglycemia typically occurs if you do not eat. It can happen because of diabetes, other conditions such as hepatitis and hormone deficiencies. As your blood sugar drops, you may feel irritable and shaky. Hypoglycemia is also accompanied by hunger, fatigue and irregular heartbeat.
The symptoms that confuse offers include:
- Abnormal behavior
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Inability to complete tasks
Under the influence of alcohol, a person may also act abnormally. Confusion is a common sign, as well as blurred vision and difficulty with simple tasks. If you have hypoglycemia, you may be unable to complete a field sobriety test.
Hypoglycemia may also make you weak, dizzy and result in injuries and falls. Some episodes have even contributed to motor vehicle accidents.
Complications from untreated diabetes
In many cases, a person may not realize that he or she has diabetes. You can go undiagnosed for some time because the symptoms do not always manifest often. If you do not know that you have diabetes, you may not expect episodes of low blood sugar. Uncontrolled diabetes leads to more episodes of hypoglycemia.
If you have diabetes or cannot regulate your blood sugar, you could become hypoglycemic behind the wheel.
