Type 1 and type 2 diabetes can have far-reaching consequences on the way you live. It can affect your energy levels, appetite and general well-being.
If you have been accused of driving under the influence of alcohol, you may consider it unlikely that your diabetes diagnosis could be a legitimate legal defense. However, it could be entirely possible.
How blood sugar levels can affect driving
Extremely high and extremely low blood sugar levels can affect your behavior and actions. For example, high blood sugar can lead to anxiety, impatience and a lack of coordination.
If you experience high blood sugar levels when behind the wheel, it can affect your driving. You could be pulled over by law enforcement officials and be accused of driving under the influence of alcohol. Police could determine your erratic or confused behavior was a consequence of alcohol, when, in fact, it was a symptom of your diabetes condition.
Just as high blood sugar levels can cause erratic behavior, low blood sugar levels can lead to extreme fatigue and blurry vision, which can also influence your behavior and ability to drive.
How diabetes can cause a false positive Breathalyzer result
In addition to influencing behavior, diabetes can influence the outcome of a Breathalyzer test.
If you have very high blood sugar levels when taking a Breathalyzer test, you may have extremely high levels of acetone in your breath. On some types of Breathalyzer tests, this will be detected and interpreted to mean you are under the influence of alcohol when you are sober.
It is important that you are fully aware of the way your medical condition can help you legitimately defend yourself against a DUI charge. Sadly, many people in Tennessee are convicted of DUIs because they failed to effectively defend themselves.
