Diebeties And OTR !

[rmctt2]

I am very interested in driving truck ! I am diebetic on an Insulin Pump and I applied for a Medical Exemption through FMCSA ! Does anyone have any info on this. I am in very good health and see no reason for being turned down for the exempion.
Thanks
rmctt2

[Sealord]

Go to truck.net and the Medical Forum. Pose your question to Nurse Red, I'm sure she can give you an accurate answer.
To state you're a diabetic on an insulin pump doesn't seem to support your statement of "in very good health". BOL

[Uturn2001]

The realities of the job of an OTR driver makes it very difficult to control your blood sugar. It can be hard if not next to impossible to eat regularly, eat the foods you should, get the excercise you need, etc. Also the stress that drivers have to deal with everyday can make a diabetics blood sugars go on a big roller coaster ride.

I drove for 6 years as a type 2 diabetic so I know of what I speak.

[mapleleaf_1]

I am also a diabetic. Mine can be controlled by pills though. The doctor told me if I had to be using insulin my driving career would be over. He said that the DOT will allow people using pills to drive, but in no way would they permit insulin users. Best of luck. Drive safe everyone.

[mack fan]

thats why im working on my little weight thing now because it runs in my famliy but on the dot forum i believe it says you can't drive a truck if you need insulin

[mack fan]

heres a dots qualification forum if you need insulin to control your surger and it will cause you to not be able to drive safey you can't drive a truck.


Qualification

The IBT supports the inclusion of driver qualifications as a new
training topic. The IBT explains that on the issue of driver
qualifications, many drivers are unfamiliar with or misunderstand the
medical qualifications required by the FMCSA. This problem is
exacerbated by the fact that these qualifications may change
periodically. For example, changes have recently been made regarding
cardiovascular and diabetes requirements, and the conditions of drivers
themselves will change over time. In this respect, the IBT thinks
entry-level drivers would benefit from an explanation of the
requirements and the importance of being aware of current requirements.
In fact, the IBT suggests that drivers would also benefit from
continuing training and updates in this area.
FMCSA Response: The FMCSA agrees with the IBT that many drivers are
unfamiliar with or misunderstand the required medical qualifications.
The agency published a final rule on October 5, 2000, in the Federal
Register (65 FR 59363) which updated on one form the instructions for
performing and recording physical examinations, the medical examination
report, the instructions to the medical examiner, the advisory
criteria, and the medical examiner's certificate. The consolidated form
contains information on cardiovascular conditions and diabetes which
should be included as part of a training presentation on driver
qualification requirements. Drivers will be better informed on medical
qualification requirements through a combination of the revised medical
form and the training requirements in today's final rule.
The types of subjects employers should cover include the following
medical topics: Loss of a limb; impairment of a limb; diabetes mellitus
standard for drivers currently requiring insulin for control;
cardiovascular disease standards for conditions known to be accompanied
by syncope, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive cardiac failure;
respiratory dysfunction standards; procedures for the clinical
diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure; standards for
rheumatic, orthopedic, muscular, neuromuscular, or vascular disease;
epilepsy standards including conditions likely to cause loss of
consciousness; psychiatric disorders including mental conditions which
affect the driver's operation of the CMV, vision standards, hearing
standards, and diagnosis of alcoholism as a disease; alternative
physical qualification standards for the loss or impairment of limbs;
and vision and diabetes exemption program requirements.
The following drivers must be medically examined: new drivers,
drivers with expired medical cards, and drivers whose ability to
perform their normal duties has been impaired by a physical or mental
injury or disease.
Additional types of subjects employers should cover in driver
qualification should include the following: A discussion of driver
qualification standards under Sec. 391.11, driver responsibilities
under Sec. 391.13, and disqualifications based on various offenses,
orders, and loss of driving privileges under Sec. 391.15.

[rmctt2]

I Thank all of you for your replies !
I have applied for the Medical exemption from FMCSA and i am in the process at this time.
Yes, I am diebetic on Insulin but I have an insulin Pump which delivers the insulin on a continious basis. I do not take shots and one cartridge last 5 days. I got put on the pump 6 years ago because I was going to school 40 hours a week and working 36-40 hours a week on night shift. I was eating at all crazy hours and the pump allows me to go 8-12 hours without eating and not effecting sugar levels.. I have never had a hypoglcemtic attack and my A1C levels are at 5.9 to 6.6 so I have excellent Diebetic control.I take my sugars at least 6 times daily and run average 100 to 200 or so.I count my carbs very carefully !

Go to www.cozmore.com or www.minimed.com to get info on pump therepy...
I have the Cozmore pump and I love it.
I do not think FMCSA knows too much about pump therepy. They want my blood work done every month and they also want everything inc. the kitchen sink. It has been 4 months, I am hoping that I will get an answer
soon.
I honesly believe that if FMCSA uses Insulin Pumps instead of pulling you truckers off the road, a lot of trukers careers would be saved..
Anyways..
Thanks to all of you
rmctt2
I also forgot to mention that I currently work 4 - 12 hour shifts on the night shift for the V.A. hospital and have had no problems with my sugars/health, etc.
Again.. Thanks and wish me luck.

[Sealord]

Keep working for the VA, you'll do more good there. This veteran would appreciate that. BOL

[csramsey640]

Good luck and keep us posted. It used to be, maybe still is that anything other than pills, meant no commercial driving. I worked with a guy on the exact same device, and when we drove the truck to a work site, he had to ride in the jump seat.

[rmctt2]

Just recieved a call from the Diebeties Exemption people.
They wanted 2 more pieces of medical information from my Endo Dr about blood work.
She said that this may be the last of what they need, then they would review my information.
I faxed the info to them this afternoon !
I hope this works because I have wanted to do this for a long, long time !
We will see, I quess !
any info and incouragement will be appreciated !
Thanks
rmctt2