swift physical

You and your suspicious mind...but I agree!

 

They will only do an a1c if an inordinate amount of sugar shows up in the urinalysis. They might split up the group depending on the number of staff available. Are you worried about something?

 

I just got home from taking my pre-academy physical. Being the honest guy I am I listed all the medications I take, one being Glipizide which I take to control blood sugar. Per the Medical Community HBA1C guidelines are

• Normal: Less than 5.7%
• Pre-diabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
• Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

The DOT doc has me do an A1C that comes back at 6. Of course it was 6 I have been a stable 6 for 2 years which shows I am well controlled with diet and oral meds. The DOT doc says, "you should be on insulin at 6 so I am not passing you". I argued the guidelines listed above that I am still PRE diabetes not full blown diabetic. It fell on deaf ears and he sent me home empty handed.

I got an email in to my recruiter to see what she wants me to do. Are physicals like DAC reports that follow you forever or can I get a second one done from a doc that knows more about A1C results? This sucks for me!

On a side note I guess I should mention that I am not seen by some country bumpkin doctor for my condition. I am followed by an entire team of metabolic doctors at the V.A. If they think I am PRE diabetic and OK on oral meds at 6 than I am PRE diabetic and OK on oral meds at 6. This DOT guy who works at a "doc in the box" clinic needs to pull his head from the sand about diabetes.

 

From the FMCSR's
Diabetes
§391.41(b)(3)
A person is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle if that person:Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently requiring insulin for control.
Diabetes mellitus is a disease which, on occasion, can result in a loss of consciousness or disorientation in time and space. Individuals who require insulin for control have conditions which can get out of control by the use of too much or too little insulin, or food intake not consistent with the insulin dosage. Incapacitation may occur from symptoms of hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic reactions (drowsiness, semiconsciousness, diabetic coma or insulin shock).

The administration of insulin is, within itself, a complicated process requiring insulin, syringe, needle, alcohol sponge and a sterile technique. Factors related to long-haul commercial motor vehicle operations, such as
fatigue, lack of sleep, poor diet, emotional conditions, stress, and concomitant illness, compound the dangers, the FMCSA has consistently held that a diabetic who uses insulin for control does not meet the minimum physical requirements of the FMCSRs. Hypoglycemic drugs, taken orally, are sometimes prescribed for diabetic individuals to help stimulate natural body production of insulin. If the condition can be controlled by the use of oral medication and diet, then an individual may be qualified under the present rule. CMV drivers who do not meet the Federal diabetes standard may call (202) 366-1790 for an application for a diabetes exemption.

I called my VA team in San Francisco and they gave me a number to a VA employee in Virginia that does nothing but handle issues like mine. Called him and he put us in a conference call with someone that handles licensing issues for veterans who are pilots, drivers, basically anyone who carries a govt. regulated license. He listened than said all I need is an exemption form signed by my primary care physician and I would be set. VA guy handled the details and we were done. My VA doc has the electronic form now and depending on how long she takes to fill it out and sign it there should be a 4-5 week processing time. So I guess I got all upset for nothing. I just wish the DOT doc wasn't so closed minded but I guess you probably get jaded with people coming in everyday trying to BS you to pass the physical/drug test.

 

Yo Frank! You're being called out! LOL

 

i think someones trying to figure out if they can cheat a drug test....naked...so u can hide a pee sample...

 

Yeah, no. You've heard the saying about wrestling with pigs, right?