Body repair....My body!

[xzostd1]

Does anyone have experience or know of a forum for diabetic CDL holders. I will need to get a insulin exemption in the future and am trying to get hooked up with a driver that has gone through the process. I do have the FMCs info.
Bill

[matcat]

Don't take this the wrong way, but it scares me to think anyone that has to take insulin would be out on the road with 80,000lbs of equipment in their control. I have known a lot of diabetics. When the sugar levels get out of whack, there is no way one could function to even talk right let alone operate a vehicle!

I do know that there are plenty of Type II diabetics out there that DO manage to control their levels well, and never seem to get sugar issues, but I still think it is way too risky.

[xzostd1]

Matcat
I had learned in one of my classes at driving school that the most likely cause of death of over the road drivers is falling asleep, number two is heart attack, number three was driving to fast for conditions. I never checked the facts myself but it makes sense. I don't believe diabetic issues even show up on the list. That said I have been driving as a Type 2 for 3 years. If I start using a time release insulin to give me a base higher base level I will achieve better control which equals less future complications.
My meds I presently take can already cause lows. The key is management. Part of the FMCSA exemption process includes showing 5 years of good control. http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/safetyprograms/Diabetes/diabetes-exemption-package.pdf
I am trying to connect with someone who has gone through the process or possibly a forum that addresses some of the issues.
Bill

[Maniac]

I will need to get a insulin exemption in the future




I didn't think there was one.

[Jumbo]

You may get more responses if this wasnt posted in the truck maintainence section. The drivers who may have the answer to your question might not see your post.

[xzostd1]

It was just a shot in the dark. I was hoping to just connect with another driver dealing with the problem. Hoping someone else would have come across a appropriate forum that they would lead me towards.
Bill

[allan5oh]

Good luck with your diabetes, I know a few people that have it(non-truck drivers) and management is very important.

I understand where you're coming from. Your at a fork in the road, do you risk your future health to keep your CDL? That's a very tough decision and unfortunately the way the laws are they force you to make it.

Canada is more liberal regarding diabetes and commercial vehicles. However there was a horrific accident in Edmonton a couple years ago where a diabetic was driving a tanker, blood sugar level dropped, and he drove off of a bridge and the truck exploded killing him instantly.

Don't want to try to rain on your parade, but man be careful!

[xzostd1]

I have just started the process and am still looking for someone who has the exemption.
I have ended my lease and parked my truck (in its new building!) I will need 30 days of logged insulin use and then can start the paperwork. Once all the paperwork is sent in the Feds have to give a response in not >180 days. My concern is that on day 179 they ask for more documentation and the clock starts over. The timing is not bad for parking my truck since there are almost no loads that I will take anyway! Military loads @ $2.15 per mile (dollars to me after the company cut) were my last 5 loads that made sense. Now that most of our Wisconsin troops are deployed those loads are done.
I will continue this discussion @ rules and regs if anyone wants to post. If this doesnt work out I may have a really nice 01 Volvo 770 and Doonan 50.5' step with sliding axle for sale....or...maybe I'll bolt my Motorhome to the deck??!
Bill