Diabetes and needles ??

I am surprised you even can get a cdl. They are so choosey now. I am a type 2 also. The rules & recruiters specifically say no to insulin shots. I take 5 pills a day to control my blood sugar. Had trouble until I went on Januvia 1x a day. Now controlled. It increases insulin production but only as needed. Problem it costs $200 for 30 pills-one months supply. If an inspecter sees your needles & insulin you will be detained & probably arrested until you can get cleared. Insulin is allowed in a few cases but try explaing it when stopped. They are not likely to listen. I think my diabetes has cost me job oportunities. If I was U I would make a lot of calls before filling out apps. Good luck you will truly need it.

 

The rule disallows one using insulin injected with a needle however there is a test program and waiver available since 2003 as pjw044 suggests, however you must have a certain record of physical wellness to apply. In addition, and with all medical waivers, you must also have a record of driving a commercial vehicle before applying with no negative happening because of the problem. Because/If you have no CDL experience you may unfortunately not be able to obtain the waiver.

From a retired federal DOT official.

 

I think if you are insulin dependent you are disqualified but i am not the law .

i knew a driver once that had type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure although perfectly controlled by oral medicine . he told the company doctor about taking medicine for it . they made him get some paper work from his family doctor . it held him up for a couple weeks on starting his job and when he got his dot medical card it was for 1 year .

on his next job he told them he had no problems/ not taking any med's at all . they checked his BP and sugar and the readings were good (although still regulated by med's) . they gave him a 2 year card and sent him on his way .

Shady i know but ,,,, This is his lively hood . If you drive for 10 years the difference is passing the physical 5 times instead of 10 . I do not condone this but if your health is questionable and you need a job and have no other skills . Trucking in general a un healthy lifestyle for many . That is why you see many drivers in poor condition and time wears on everything .

Not to discourage or offend .

 

Medical card is not a company requirement, but a GOVERNMENT
requirement.....

 

A motor carrier is required under part 391 to ensure a driver, be it company or O/O, is medically qualified. To that end motor carriers will send you for a physical and once the medicos see the track marks from the needles.......... In addition, many insurance companies require medical information on all CDL people they insure.

You can't get around it.

 

I know what it was to be overweight. In one year I have lost over 240 lbs. Right now I am about 280 and working off some more. Back in Dec. of 07 I was 535lbs. My thing I had was the gastric bypass surgery. Took me off completely off diabetic meds and am no longer a diabetic. I dowatch what I eat and stuff butI keep telling myself I had stomach surgery and not brain surgery. Its hard to keep the weight off but doable, especially driving all day. Lots of liquids (water, tea and coffee, oh yeah and soda pop) little of the last two but still drink it. Good luck stuntdad.