Diabetes Management and Hyperglycemia in Safety Sensitive Jobs

• Main Authors: See-Muah Lee, David Koh, Sharon Nne Fun, Chee-Fang Sum
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2011-12-01
• Series: Safety and Health at Work
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2093791111240101

The chronic and acute effects of hyperglycemia affecting cognition and work are as important as those of hypoglycemia. Its impact, considering that majority of diabetic patients fail to reach therapeutic targets, would be potentially significant. Self monitoring of blood glucose, recognition of body cues and management interventions should be geared not only towards avoidance of disabling hypoglycemia, but also towards unwanted hyperglycemia. Over the long term, chronic hyperglycemia is a risk for cognitive decline. Acute episodes of hyperglycemia, above 15 mmol/L have also been shown to affect cognitive motor tasks. Maintaining blood sugar to avoid hyperglycemia in diabetic workers will help promote safety at work.