Georgia DUI Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can make individuals exhibit symptoms that are very similar to the effects of alcohol. If they are not properly monitored or controlled, diabetes and other medical conditions may lead to this disease. If your blood sugar plummets below normal levels, you could exhibit signs such as impaired coordination, poor balance, staggering, fatigue, disorientation, and slurred speech. Unfortunately, an officer may be unable to distinguish the symptoms of this condition from intoxication, resulting in a Georgia DUI arrest involving Hypoglycemia.These symptoms can also affect your performance on the field sobriety tests. For example, the one-leg stand and walk-and-turn tests require balance and coordination—both of which may be lacking if your blood sugar is low. Your performance on these tests is graded by the officer and can be used against you in court.
Breathalyzers can also be fooled by hypoglycemia. Diabetes and other medical conditions that cause low blood sugar can lead to a state called ketoacidosis. During ketoacidosis, ketones are produced, thus increasing acetone in the breath. Because breathalyzers are designed to detect any compound from the methyl alcohol family, acetones may be confused with ethanol (found in alcoholic beverages), leading to a higher blood alcohol content (BAC) result. If the acetone in your breath produces a BAC or .08% or higher, you can be charged with drunk driving.
If you suffer from hypoglycemia and were arrested for drunk driving, contacting a DUI defense attorney who understands breathalyzer tests is extremely important. Your attorney can explain to the court how your condition produces symptoms similar to intoxication as well as the affect it has on the Georgia breath test. He or she may also call in a medical expert to testify on your behalf.
To learn more about a Georgia DUI and how Hypoglycemia can lead to an arrest, please contact our law firm today. We are more than happy to offer a free initial consultation and answer any questions you may have.
