by Sgt. Jesse Grabow
Columnist

Question: Is there a certain safe level for blood sugar for a person that has diabetes? I know a high blood sugar level affects being able to drive safely. Is there a certain level where a ticket will be written if known by the State Patrol?

Answer: First of all I will mention that I am not a doctor. But this much I do know, the blood sugar concentration or blood glucose level is the amount of glucose (sugar) present in the blood. Blood glucose monitoring is the main tool you have to check your diabetes control. This check tells you your blood glucose level at any one time. There is no level where a ticket would be written by the Minnesota State Patrol. But if there is an incident or a crash that occurs involving a diabetic loss of consciousness or voluntary control and a Trooper or any Law Enforcement Officer investigates, a request for an examination of the driver can be submitted to the Driver and Vehicle Services – Driver Evaluation Unit. The best advice is to ask your healthcare provider what your blood sugar levels should be. Some other reasons for a driver’s re-examination can include:

– General physical/health problems

– Vision problems

– Lack of physical driving skills

– Mental or emotional problems (including road rage, memory loss, etc.)

– Loss of consciousness (seizures)

– Lack of knowledge of traffic laws

– And others

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (Or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us)