Last March 2014 I found out I have Type 2 Diabetes. I do not have to take insulin, but I take Metformin pills, exercise, eat better and my meter reading every morning for months now is between 87 and 111. My last A1C was 5.8. My Doctor is very pleased with my progress. So my question is this: I was not employed driving truck when I found out I was Diabetic. My Medical card is valid until next February. When I go in for my DOT Medical Card physical to renew my Med Card I know I will probably have to mark on the long-form, before my physical, that I have Type 2. Does anyone have an idea what I might need to take with me to that DOT Physical in the way of proof that I have my Type 2 under control?
Also, I have a job offer I would love to take, local, home every night, max gross weight 105,500. Should I or do I have to update my Med Card because of my Type 2 Diabetes before I start driving again? Or can I wait until my next DOT Physical to update my Med Card? Either way, do I or should I inform my potential new employer that I have Type 2?
I appreciate any advice that any of you out there may provide me. Thank you!
Diabetes Type II and my Medical Card question.
Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by milkdud, Nov 6, 2014.
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Most of us have Type II Diabetes. Probably most people in the USA have it, due to diet and sedentary lifestyle.
Just keep the medical card until it's time for another physical. The Metformin won't disqualify you. List it on the medications when you get your next physical. Take your perscription with you just in case the doctor asks. They've never asked me though. The doctor will probably check your blood sugar anyway.
Don't worry or your blood pressure may go up...lol.milkdud Thanks this. -
My bf just had his new physical done last month and he also has type 2 diabetes. The dr didn't ask for anything documentation wise. All they did was check his level and I believe his A1C.
milkdud Thanks this. -
Type II is NOT a killer to your medical care...as long as it controlled with ORAL meds---and they now have a waiver
for Insulin use. A lot of hoops to jump thru but can be done.....milkdud Thanks this. -
I have type II, I have controlled it with diet, cut off the Metformin and have been steady with the monthly A1C at 5.0-5.2...
I must admit that I occasionally have Lupus issues, Methotexate and Prednisone (raises Blood sugar index)
There has been no issue with big Bro....
.... Philipmilkdud Thanks this. -
Thanks for the great information, everyone. I still wonder if I need to tell my new employer about my Type 2 before or after I'm hired?
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You will be fine. I was borderline when I went to Swift Academy. I was on Byetta and Metformin the day I had my physical. My sleeping had been jacked up from the Greyhound trip from Wichita, KS to Memphis, TN. Additionally, I had to get up extra early to get "processed". Since I hadn't had anything to eat and I hadn't had my meds, my liver was dumping sugar. When they checked me, my blood sugar was over 200. After explaining what I went through, they shipped me back to the hotel and gave me time to eat, take meds and get my blood sugar down. I went back a few hours later and my number was below 100. It was funny though, the nurse was like, "Oh, well that's too low now." I rolled my eyes.
I survived 2 years on the road before my diabetes got the best of me. The Byetta was no longer working and I had to go on insulin which forced me out. Don't let insulin stop you though. The FMCSA has an exemption program for well controlled diabetics on insulin. It'll take about a year start to finish, but it will allow one to drive while on insulin. I was on the program, but I landed a job I liked that's not trucking related and the insurance isn't great; so, I can't always afford treatment/meds. Thus, I pulled myself off the program because I couldn't keep up with their requirements.
Good luck to you!Last edited: Nov 7, 2014
milkdud Thanks this. -
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milkdud Thanks this.
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As long as your a1c is that good and they don't find sugar in your urine, you are good to go.
milkdud Thanks this.
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