The Department of Endocrinology at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group, shares offers driving tips and precautions for those on glucose-lowering medication and going behind the wheel.  

10 Tips to drive safely while on diabetes medication

  1. Always bring along a glucometer to monitor blood glucose readings

  2. Bring along quick and long-acting carbohydrates to treat hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose)

  3. Protect your glucometer from extreme temperature and direct sunlight to ensure accurate blood glucose readings
  4. Always test your blood glucose levels before driving and every 2 hours into driving
  5. If your blood glucose reading is below 5.0 mmol/L, take 15g of long-acting carbohydrates before you start driving e.g.:
    • 3 pieces of biscuits, or
    • 1 slice of bread
  6. Have a Medik Awas card (see below) to identify you as a person with diabetes in the event of an emergency
  7. If you have had a hypoglycaemia episode, treat the hypoglycaemia and do not drive until you have fully recovered
  8. Do not drive with blood glucose levels below 5.0 mmol/L
  9. Avoid driving when you are tired or are on medications that may cause drowsiness
  10. Never drink and drive

What is a Medik Awas card?

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According to the Singapore Medical Association (SMA), the Medik Awas card aims to prevent medical mishaps by alerting medical and dental personnel to any specific medical problems of registrants.

Medik Awas cards are useful for those with diabetes since it contains important information like your medical conditions and the medications you are on. This is important as it can alert strangers to the potential cause of your problem should you become unwell and are unable to verbalise why.

How do I apply for a Medik Awas card?

  • Get your medical or dental practitioner to enroll you in the Medik Awas scheme.
  • Your doctor should fill up the Medik Awas application form at www.sma.org.sg
  • Once completed, you should submit the application to SMA through mail.
  • Mail the completed and signed Medik Awas form, with relevant fees and a passport-sized photo to:
    Medik Awas Department
    Singapore Medical Association
    No. 2 College Road
    Level 2 Alumni Medical Centre
    Singapore 169850

What is the cost of a Medik Awas card?

The registration fees for a Medik Awas card (as at 1 January 2012) are as follows:

Registration and Identification Card
$30
Registration, Identification Card and Amulet
$40
Renewal/Replacement of Card
$15

 

How and when will I receive the Medik Awas card?

A laminated Medik Awas card will be mailed to you within 4-6 weeks through normal mail.

The card will bear the following:

  1. Your name
  2. Residential address
  3. NRIC number
  4. The nature of your allergies and/or medical problem
  5. Your doctor’s name and contact number

For more information, please visit www.sma.org.sg

For more details on when to check your blood glucose levels and what to do when hypoglycaemia occurs, see the previous page.

Ref: L20

Other diabetes articles you may be interested in:

Diabetes Foot Care Tips: 10 Steps to Healthy Feet

Diabetes Diet Myths vs Facts

Easy Diabetes Diet

Tips for Travelling with Diabetes

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