Diabetic, going to Prime

If I were your MC I wouldn't accept a 3 month card, why invest all that extra effort in getting you back to get checked out. I'd opt for someone that can at least get a 1 year card.

But thanks for sharing, this is good information and more people should be aware this. Take care of yourself before you go to a company, get checked out. I've seen countless numbers in the past year show up and then quickly go home for a whole list of medical reasons. Don't invest the time if you can't pass.

 

They did you a favor!!!

 

Why does it matter if it's a 3 month card?? It's still valid in the eyes of FMCSA. Besides, what extra effort is required to get them back to the terminal?? They would have from day 61 to day 90 to get him by a terminal, and I'm pretty sure that is not a problem.

This is the problem with Mega Crap Carriers and their "in house" doctors. If a diabetic meets the qualifications set by the FMCSA then it should not disqualify someone.

 

Best thing that could have happened to you.After 2 weeks of tnt I left prime and will never return to trucking because of the training experience I encountered.

 

According to the ADA, anything >7 A1C is considered poor diabetes management.
They recommend 5.5-6.5 A1C

But the FMCSA doesn't want drivers going into sugar shock. They don't care about your health but the safety of the motoring public. According to the medical review panel between 7-10% is where they want you. To get up near 10 A1C, your sugar has to be regularly above 200. Not good.

Read this FMCSA medical experts panel about diabetes qualifications. Scroll a little past half way.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regu...es/05-22264-Diabetes-eligibility-11-08-05.htm

 

It doesn't matter, it's just more likely a guy with more than a 3 month card is going to get renewed. So why deal with a 3 month card when I can just a driver with a lower "risk"

 

I disagree with your decision. I have had bad decisions but that has never ever got me down in my pursuit of trucking. Trucking can be a very rewarding career if you stick it out. I would give it another shot and then call it quits.

KH

 

I got into some trouble years back with Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. My doctor made me go on a really low carb diet and wouldn't let me drink anything but water. Had to quit my beloved coffee and soda. Also smoking! All I ate was meat, fish, chicken, pork etc. seeds, nuts and vegetables. Once a day I would eat a small piece of citrus fruit.

I lost 30 lbs in one month! All my levels were normal at my next 6 week check up. One of if not the hardest things I have ever done in my life!!! I was a huge junk food/sugar eater. Let me tell you, it felt like I was dying when I went on that diet or should I say lifestyle change. Really hard to do on the road. I had to constantly buy food and a lot of the time I would just eat salads with chicken breast and other veggies from subway. I would use my own extra virgin olive oil and raw apple cider vinegar with some lemon juice as dressing.

After about 2 months of misery eating that way I felt the cloud lift. I had more energy, could concentrate better and my memory came back. I couldn't believe it! A bunch of aches and pains I had went away too. I had to get off all my medicines because my bp was going to low. I'm golden now and didn't do a lick of exercise. Took a lot of discipline and motivation though.

Hope I could help spread around some hope for all us truckers. It's tough out there and even harder to eat right. Of course don't take my advice without checking with your doctor first. It's only what my doctor told me to do and may not be right for everyone. Good luck guys.

As far as Prime goes, I heard back in the late 90's they were good but haven't heard many good things about them now.