Mississippi Criminal and Family Law BlogLaw enforcement officers commonly use breathalyzer tests to determine the level of intoxication in individuals suspected of driving under the influence (DUI). Many people believe that these tests are foolproof and always accurate. However, diabetes, a common medical condition, may lead to false positive results on breathalyzer tests. In this blog, we will explore the hidden link between diabetes and breathalyzer tests, shedding light on how high and low blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes can impact the results of these tests, leading to wrongful DUI charges.
How High Blood Sugar Affects Breathalyzer Test Results
Diabetes is a condition that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are too high, individuals with diabetes may exhale a chemical called acetone. Acetone can also convert into other chemicals that resemble isopropyl alcohol, which is the type of alcohol detected by breathalyzer tests. As a result, individuals with high blood sugar levels may trigger a false positive on a breathalyzer test, indicating a higher blood alcohol content (BAC) than their actual consumption.
The risk of false positive results on breathalyzer tests due to diabetes increases when alcohol is involved. Alcohol can interfere with diabetes medication and disrupt blood sugar levels, leading to fluctuations that may impact breathalyzer readings. For example, if an individual with diabetes consumes alcohol, their blood sugar levels may be affected, causing them to blow a higher BAC on a breathalyzer than their actual consumption. This can result in wrongful DUI charges, as the breathalyzer may misread a lower BAC as a higher BAC due to the interaction between alcohol and diabetes medication.
Field Sobriety Tests and Low Blood Sugar
Conversely, individuals with diabetes with low blood sugar levels, a condition known as hypoglycemia, may exhibit symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication, such as confusion, dizziness, and sweating. During a field sobriety test, these symptoms may be misinterpreted as signs of alcohol intoxication, leading to false positive results. Field sobriety tests are subjective and do not accurately measure a person’s level of intoxication, especially in individuals with diabetes experiencing hypoglycemia.
Protecting Your Rights: What to Do if You Have Diabetes and Face a Breathalyzer TestÂ
If you have diabetes and are facing a breathalyzer test, it is crucial to be aware of the potential for false positive results and take appropriate steps to protect your rights. Here are some key tips:
Inform the officer: If you have diabetes and law enforcement pulls you over for suspicion of DUI, inform the officer about your condition. It may be helpful to carry a medical identification card or bracelet that indicates you have diabetes.
Request a blood test: If you believe that a breathalyzer test may produce inaccurate results due to your diabetes, you have the right to request a blood test, which is considered a more accurate measure of blood alcohol levels.
Enlist the Help of a Well-Qualified Attorney
When you are searching the state of Mississippi for a qualified, experienced DUI defense attorney, look no further than Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. No matter the circumstances of your case, the sooner you get in touch with a qualified DUI defense attorney, the better chance you have for a favorable outcome. Over the years, we have helped countless defendants charged with DUIs. Please call us for a consultation today. We can help you defend yourself when you are arrested and charged with a DUI in Mississippi.