Diabetes
Truckers Confront Risk Factors for Diabetes
About 25% of truck drivers older than 54 are diabetic, according to TrueLifeCare. (Shutterstock)
About nine years ago, California-based longhaul truck driver Richard Hall was in for a big surprise when he got his first Department of Transportation medical exam.
December 4, 2020FMCSA Formally Ends Its Driver Diabetes Exemption Program
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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Feb. 21 formally announced the immediate end of its exemption process for the medical certification of insulin-dependent truck and bus drivers.
February 21, 2019FMCSA Rule Eliminating Exemptions for Diabetic Drivers Takes Effect
TT File Photo
After years in limbo, a final rule became effective in November allowing medical examiners — in consultation with a truck driver’s treating clinician — to decide whether an insulin-treated diabetic driver is qualified to get behind the wheel.
November 27, 2018Truck Drivers' Risk for Diabetes Far Greater Than National Average
Pfeiffer by John Sommers II for Transport Topics
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Health education specialist Kay Pfeiffer compares diabetic professional truck drivers who are not testing their blood sugar with “driving at night without headlights — and you’re going to crash.”
March 23, 2018More Diabetic Drivers Seek Exemptions, but Often Face Long Waits, Groups Say
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The number of insulin-dependent diabetic interstate truck and bus drivers requesting exemptions to stay behind the wheel is on the rise, but the current approval process is time-consuming and medical guidelines can be vague, trucking and diabetes groups said.
May 8, 2017FMCSA Seeking Comment on Medical Review Board's Diabetes Recommendations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking public comment on a slate of guidelines recommended by the agency’s medical experts for drivers with diabetes to operate commercial motor vehicles.
September 8, 2016FMCSA Mulling Over Whether Exemption Process Is Necessary for Diabetic Drivers
Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg News
The Federal Motor Carriers Administration has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking under which truck drivers with controlled diabetes would no longer have to apply for medical exemptions.
May 5, 2015