Diabetes and Driving Using Hand Controls: Staying Safe, Independent, and Confident Behind the Wheel

World Diabetes Day is recognized globally each November 14, highlighting the importance of awareness, prevention, and support for those living with diabetes. At Fitness to Drive, we’re proud to join this movement by empowering individuals with diabetes to continue living full, independent lives — including staying safe and confident behind the wheel.

For many people living with diabetes, driving represents more than just transportation—it’s independence, freedom, and connection to the community. However, diabetes can bring physical changes that affect how safely a person operates a vehicle. Understanding these challenges—and knowing that adaptive solutions exist—can make all the difference in maintaining confidence and safety on the road.

At Fitness to Drive, we believe that with the right supports, most people with diabetes can continue to drive safely and independently. Let’s take a closer look at how diabetes can affect driving ability, and how driver rehabilitation specialists can help.

How Diabetes Can Affect Driving

Diabetes can impact driving in several ways, especially when complications such as peripheral neuropathy, vision changes, and sensory loss occur.

• Peripheral Neuropathy - Peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands and feet. For drivers, this can make it difficult to feel the pedals or react quickly to changes in road conditions. Reduced sensation in the feet can increase the risk of delayed braking or pedal confusion, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

  
  

• Vision Changes - Diabetes can affect vision through conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, or fluctuating blood sugar levels that cause temporary blurriness. These changes can reduce contrast sensitivity, night vision, and depth perception—all crucial for safe driving.

  
  

• Sensory and Cognitive Effects - Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause dizziness, confusion, or delayed reaction times, while high blood sugar can lead to fatigue and blurred vision. Monitoring blood glucose before and during longer drives is essential to ensure alertness and safety.

Adaptive Driving Solutions: Hand Controls and More

For drivers experiencing lower limb neuropathy or reduced pedal control, hand controls offer a safe and effective alternative. These adaptive devices allow the driver to accelerate and brake using their hands rather than their feet.

Some common types of hand controls include:

• Push/rock controls for smooth braking and acceleration.

• Push/pull controls for intuitive, ergonomic use.

• Steering aids, such as spinner knobs, to enhance steering control when one hand is operating the controls.

When fitted and adjusted by a trained professional, these adaptations can help drivers remain comfortable, confident, and in control of their vehicle.

The Role of Occupational Therapists and Driver Rehabilitation Specialists

Occupational therapists (OTs) who are driver rehabilitation specialists (DRS) play a vital role in helping people with diabetes continue driving safely. They conduct comprehensive driving assessments, which evaluate vision, cognition, reaction time, coordination, and physical abilities related to driving.

At Fitness to Drive, our team works with clients to:

• Assess driving fitness and recommend adaptive equipment as needed.

• Provide training in the use of hand controls and other vehicle modifications.

• Support medical professionals with detailed reports and recommendations.

Our goal is to help clients remain independent while prioritizing safety for themselves and others on the road.

Preventative Care: Staying Ahead of Changes

Maintaining regular medical checkups and communicating openly with healthcare providers can prevent small changes from becoming major driving safety issues. Preventative care for drivers with diabetes includes:

• Routine eye exams to monitor vision health.

• Regular foot checks to identify sensory loss early.

• Consistent blood glucose management before and during travel.

• Proactive discussions with healthcare teams about driving ability.

When caught early, these changes can often be addressed with adaptive strategies and equipment before driving becomes unsafe.

How Fitness to Drive Can Help

At Fitness to Drive, we specialize in assessing, educating, and equipping drivers who face medical or physical challenges—including those managing diabetes. Whether you’re noticing changes in sensation, vision, or control—or simply want peace of mind—we can provide a professional driving assessment and guide you through adaptive options.

With the right support, driving can remain a safe, empowering part of your life.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you or someone you know is living with diabetes and wants to stay safe and confident behind the wheel, plan your visit with Fitness to Drive by calling 719.-231-6657. Our team of occupational therapists and driver rehabilitation specialists is here to help you maintain your independence—safely and confidently.