How Does Blood Sugar Affect Breathalyzer Tests In New York?

The CDC suggests that up to 10 out of 100 people in the U.S. suffer from the serious illness known as diabetes. There are two types of diabetes, both of which cause blood sugar levels to become irregular when not enough or too much insulin is produced by the pancreas. Damage to critical internal organs occurs when blood sugar levels aren’t adequately managed and this may be fatal.

Plus, blood glucose irregularities can increase your likelihood of getting arrested for driving under the influence. Keep reading to learn more and who can help you after you were falsely accused of drunk driving.

Does Low Blood Glucose Look Like Impairment?

When someone’s blood sugar levels tank in the car, they may become lethargic and may not know where they are or what they’re doing. This can be mistaken as drugged or drunk driving. Passing a breath test may be possible, but performing well on the one-leg stand or other field tests is unlikely to happen during a hypoglycemic episode.

You May Fail Your Breath Test If You Have High Blood Glucose Levels

If you’re diabetic, you also need to know about the dangers of driving with hyperglycemia. Alcohols that your body naturally produces could show up on a breathalyzer test, warranting your arrest. This condition also results in other symptoms that can be erroneously linked to drinking, like a red face, being slow to respond, excessive thirst, urination prolems, and breath that smells like fruit.

Safe Driving Tips For People Who Have Diabetes

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to decrease your chances of getting stopped for a DUI:

  • Do a blood sugar check right before getting in the car.
  • Bring your high/low blood sugar supplies with you.
  • Do not continue driving if you feel like your sugar is dropping or increasing too rapidly.
  • Use your supplies to check your blood glucose reading and give yourself insulin or glucose appropriately to increase or decrease your blood sugar.
  • Inform police officers that you have diabetes if your vehicle is stopped.

Arrested? Here’s How to Get Legal Assistance

It’s critical that you reach out quickly to get help with a legal defense if you’ve been arrested by the police for drunk or drugged driving. Call Brooklyn DWI defense attorney Mark Cossuto for help now at (718) 852-8047 or toll free at (800) 609-4545.

Scroll to Top