diabetes

It depends if you are type I or II. Both have to be revealed on your physical exam.

Type II they are not as strict as long as you tell them you are seeing a doctor and have it under control. That's about as far as that goes. Just don't show up to your DOT physical after eating pancakes and syrup. Fast that morning.

Type I is an automatic DOT disqualifier but is corrected by getting a waiver that you are exempted. A waiver is nothing but a endocrinologist and ophthalmologist documenting on a piece of paper that you have it under control and are safe to drive. They want to know if you had a severe hypoglycemic event in the past year and two or more severe hypoglycemic events in the past 5 years. They want to know if you have associated medical conditions like neuropathy. They'll want to review your glucose monitoring logs so don't just check when you think it's high like me. The ophthalmologist will look for diabetic retinopathy. It can take up to 6 months to get the package approved but many are more like 2 months. You know it can take a month or better to get a doctor's appt.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/safetyprograms/Diabetes/diabetes-exemption-package0706.pdf

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/...rtely-Endocrinologist-Evaluation-Form-508.pdf

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/...nual-Endo-Vision-evaluation-checklist-508.pdf


Indiana specific on vision if you have eye problems.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/safetyprograms/Vision/INvision-exemption-package.pdf


Like China said there are a bunch of drivers that have diabetes and don't know it yet. I honestly believe trucking contributed to me getting diabetes. It's hard to eat right on the road with limited choices. You pretty much need an inverter and refrigerator on your truck to stock up on good food.

Chinatown clear out your inbox it's full and won't accept new messages.

 

No its safety.

 

Actually, it's because you're at a greater risk of a heart attack and they don't want you getting sugar-sick or passing out behind the wheel.

 

So, here's a strong word of caution on this topic. If you're diabetic, only get your DOT physical done by your treating physician or one they specifically refer you to if they don't do it.

I go to a large family clinic, been a patient there for more than 33 yrs. In 2010 I was declared Type II diabetic, controlled by diet and exercise, as well as on low dose BP meds. I go for a recheck every 6 mos. (going this week in fact), my Dr. gives me a 2 yr card each time. Recently went for a random UA at the clinic, they had me fill out a form asking if I was diabetic or on any prescription drugs. When I marked what I was on, they had me see the DOT physician. Who launched into this tirade against my Dr. about giving me a 2 yr card, saying if it was up to him, I would only get a 6 mo. card.

 

I can see a 1 yr card as a known diabetic. An insulin dependent diabetic getting a 2 yr card is not cool, if you have no know illnesses you can only get a 2 year card.

 

and apparently you didn't read what I posted.

 

I re-read the post. Same conclusion. Your Doc should not be handing out 2 year cards to known diabetic IMHO.

 

Thanks for not reading, so let me help you.

I've been going to the same Dr. for 33 yrs, he knows me up, down, inside out. He checks me every 6 months (recheck this afternoon), he checks my immediate blood sugar and A1C, as well as all the other fun stuff, thus why they draw 3 vials of blood, he looks for abnormalities, and since I'm a former EMT and know the signs and symptoms to look for, and know that it also effects my livelihood, he knows I'm going to be straight with him. Since my diabetes is controlled by diet and exercise, and since no drugs involved, he has no problems with a 2 yr. card, and it's marked on the long form and on the card that I am diabetic controlled by diet/exercise, so if anyone has a question, it's in black and white for them to see. The only drugs I take are for blood pressure.

 

Are you always a butt head or did you wake up this morning as say world if you don't agree with me I'm going to be a butt head.