Diabetes question

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by prime rib, Apr 13, 2012.

  1. prime rib

    prime rib Light Load Member

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    Aug 28, 2010
    Blakeslee, PA
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    I have had Type 2 diabetes or several years.
    Up to now I have been able to control my sugar thru oral meds.
    However, I now have to take insulin as my sugar exceeds 200+.
    I just found out a few weeks ago and my employer doesn't know yet.
    I don't even know if they check for this now on your DOT physical.
    I use the FlickPen for my shots (a pen like gadget you put to yer arm).
    No messy hypos and needles to mess with.
    As I understand it one cannot drive the big truck if you take insulin
    (or anything else that require a Class A CDL).
    However, I heard that one can drive a Class B rig.
    Can anyone shed some light on this??
    Any feedback appreciated.
     
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  3. G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    As far as I know you cannot drive a commercial vehicle if you are on insulin. You should be able to find out what you want to know by going to the fmcsa website and do a little research. They list the driver requirements. I don't recall the section, but you should be able to find it. Or, you may just call whomever did your physical and ask them. If you don't want to call them then you could call one of the clinics that do CDL physicals. Is there any way that you could perhaps change your diet or exercise and lose weight so that you don't need to take the insulin?
     
  4. prime rib

    prime rib Light Load Member

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    Blakeslee, PA
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    I've tried everything.
    I cut out many high sugar foods, deserts, and sodas.
    My sugar drops maybe 20 or 30 points after a short jog.
    But all that doesn't bring it down to the extent needed.
    I think you flunk yer physical if yer sugar is over 200
    (which mine is even with oral meds).
    Insulin is the only way for me to knock it down to normal
    levels and keep it there.
    However, you can't drive on insulin.
    A friend of mine told me I would qualify for SSDI
    if I can't work in my primary job anymore.
    I would rather keep working.
    But I don't wanna drive if I pose some sort of risk.
    I might try working in dispatch if I can find a slot.
     
  5. Tazz

    Tazz Road Train Member

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  6. Tazz

    Tazz Road Train Member

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    http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/topics/medical/faqs.aspx#question61






    61. My medical certificate is still valid. Am I prohibited from operating a CMV if I have a medical condition that developed after my last medica certificate was issued?



    FMCSA regulations prohibit a driver from beginning or continuing to drive if their ability and/or alertness is impaired by: fatigue, illness, or any cause that makes it unsafe to begin (continue) to drive a commercial vehicle Even if a driver currently has a valid medical certificate, the driver is prohibited from driving a CMV with any medical condition that would be prohibited from driving a CMV with any medical condition that would be disqualifying or may interfere with the safe operation of a CMV. Once a disqualifying medical condition is resolved, and before resuming operation of CMVs, a driver is responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medica Examiner. 391.45
     
  7. cpttuttle

    cpttuttle Medium Load Member

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    altoona,pa
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    you might try to get a waiver.i know there's alot of hoops to jump through,but it's possible.
     
  8. Tazz

    Tazz Road Train Member

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    Drivers are required to have a DOT Medical Certificate If they operate a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) gross combination weight rating (GCWR), gross vehicle weight (GCW), or gross combination weight (GCW) of 4,536 kilograms or more in interstate commerce If they operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver) in interstate commerce If they operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers, for direct compensation, beyond 75 air miles from the 15 passengers, for direct compensation, beyond 75 air miles from the driver's normal work-reporting location, in interstate commerce If they transport hazardous materials, in a quantity requiring placards, in nterstate commerce CFR 49 Part 391.4 CFR 49 Part 390.5
     
  9. cpttuttle

    cpttuttle Medium Load Member

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    and since the op is from pa,i will point out now that in this state,if you have a disqualifying diagnosis,he can report you to penn dot.my dr. has copy's of the law posted on the walls.it's for 4-wheelers too,not just cmv drivers.
     
    Tazz Thanks this.
  10. Guntoter

    Guntoter Road Train Member

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    Not sure about a waiver in PA but Arizona has NO waiver at all for anyone injecting insulin (according to AZ Medical Review Program).
    Let this be a lesson to those who think they can eat whatever they want their entire lives believing that it only effects their weight.
    I would love to see (at least one) healthy food choices at truck stops. Why do drivers only get to choose between fried food or high fructose corn syrup with preservatives? That leaves you with a choice between high blood pressure or diabetes...

    To all those truck stop convenience store managers out there: Have you noticed all the trucks stopping at Wal-Mart to do their food shopping? Want to know why they aren't buying the junk sold at Flyin-J or Loves? Because the smart drivers have figured out that they cant eat like that everyday without getting Diabetes.
     
  11. G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    You don't need to jog to get exercise. Taking a brisk walk can do as much for you and isn't as hard on the joints as jogging. Drinking lots of water can also help flush your system. You may want to visit a health food store and pick up some Chromium. It is supposed to help diabetes. You can't fool around with diabetes. It literally affects every part of your body. If it is out of control it can also be life threatening. I doubt that you can get a waiver, but you can call and see. There are some illnesses where the fmcsa will allow you to continue to drive with a waiver but may require that the driver have a medical every 6-12 months rather than every 2 years. You will need to take special care with your food intake. Low or high sugar can cause serious problems. You might see if you can find a good endocrinologist to treat your diabetes, if you have not already found one. They may have some ideas that could help you. Make sure that you eat a balanced diet. Eating habits can greatly effect your health and diabetes.
     
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