Diabetes and the Truck DriverRegulations surrounding the commercial truck driver seem to change daily. Often, these new regulations and policies can be confusing, especially for those just beginning their career in professional truck driving. As guidelines for medical qualifications become more strict, truck drivers about to take the DOT medical examination should understand what conditions may or may not disqualify them from operating a commercial motor vehicle.
Diabetes is a serious disease that causes more deaths every year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Although the FMCSA provides much information about diabetes and the commercial truck driver, there is still much confusion about the qualification procedures for passing the DOT medical exam for drivers who have diabetes. More importantly, what are the guidelines for a truck driver with insulin controlled diabetes? What about blood pressure? Sleep apnea? Vision and hearing?
According to the FMCSA, Regulation 391.41(b)(3) states that a person will be disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle if they have an: “established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently requiring insulin for control.” On the other hand, the diabetes waiver program states that a person will be allowed to operate a commercial motor vehicle if they are found to be fit under medical conditions . . . even with insulin controlled diabetes.
It’s time to set the record straight . . .
Dr. Randolph RosarionDr. Randolph Rosarion is a DOT Medical Examiner with 17 years experience, examining several hundred truck drivers per year from his Sands Point Medical Rehab practice in Elmhurst, New York. With a full understanding of the DOT and FMCSA regulations, he is clearly a leader when it comes to fully understanding the medical requirements for the commercial truck driver, specifically those dealing with diabetes and the use of insulin.
Dr. Rosarion was our special guest on Truth About Trucking “LIVE” on Thursday, September 30th, 2010. Discussing the four main conditions which will fail a driver from receiving their medical card, he also set the record straight when it comes to truck driving with diabetes and diabetes controlled through insulin. The diabetes medical waiver and the FMCSA regulations were also discussed in detail.
Missed the “live” show? . . . . Insulin Diabetes and the Commercial Truck Driver
Listen here:
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: diabetes, diabetes exemption, diabetes medical waiver, DOT medical exam, Dr. Randolph Rosarion, FMCSA, insulin diabetes, truck driverTagged with: diabetes • diabetes exemption • diabetes medical waiver • DOT medical exam • Dr. Randolph Rosarion • FMCSA • insulin diabetes • truck driver
Filed under: DOT • Jobs and Careers • Safety • Talk Radio Show • Truck Driving Jobs • Truckers Health • otr trucking • trucking • trucking life
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