Saturday, March 23, 2024

How To Pass A Dot Physical With Diabetes

Must read

What Is A Dot Physical Exam And How Do I Go About It

Can DIABETICS pass the DOT physical? – IDD specific

DOT Physicals

Do you drive a large professional commercial vehicle? If so, then you might need to take a DOT physical examination to ensure that you are physically fit to operate big commercial vehicles. The United States has an estimated 1.3 million commercial drivers, of which several do not have a DOT physical license.

What Do You Need To Bring To A Dot Physical

You are required to fill out a medical examination report form either during or before your physical. You can access the form here.

Filling out the form ahead of time may be less stressful than doing it at the exam. If you do it before your appointment, make sure to bring it with you.

Heres a list of other health-related items you need to bring to a DOT physical:

  • medical records, if your regular doctor or specialist is not the one giving you the exam
  • medical records you have from any specialists you see, particularly if youre being treated for a condition such as obstructive sleep apnea
  • most recent laboratory results report, if you have diabetes mellitus or another condition which requires blood draws
  • any auditory or visual aids you need while driving, so that you can use them during testing
  • a list of all the prescription medications you take, including dosage and timing, as well as medication names

Possible Reasons For Failing The Dot Physical

Any condition that interferes with the safe operation of a commercial vehicle is cause for failing the DOT physical. This can include sleep apnea, hernias, high blood pressure, and diabetes, if these conditions are left untreated. Being diagnosed with any of the following can also prevent passing the DOT physical:

  • Cardiovascular or respiratory disease
  • A nervous or psychiatric disease
  • Poor eyesight or hearing
  • A missing appendage
  • Alcoholism or drug use

The majority of the DOT physical is cut-and-dry. However, some aspects are subjective and could be interpreted differently by a different doctor. Additionally, some medical examiners could be behind on the current guidelines and may fail someone based on outdated information. If this is the case, drivers should not panic, but instead be clear on next steps they should take.

You May Like: What Problems Can Diabetes Cause

What Is A Diabetes Exemption

FEDERAL DIABETES EXEMPTION PROGRAM The applicant is applying for a Federal diabetes exemption to allow insulin use while operating a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce.

Can you get DOT medical certification if you have diabetes?

Getting DOT medical certification after meeting DOT physical medical requirements, used to be much harder if you had diabetes. However, in 2005, George Bush passed an act that made it a little easier.

Do you have to check your blood sugar for Dot?

During the course of checking your DOT physical medical requirements, your blood sugar will be checked. This is to determine whether or not you have diabetes as a factor in determining your safety as a commercial driver. Of course, you must meet all other DOT physical medical requirements for your DOT medical certification if you are diabetic.

How Do You Pass A Diabetes Dot Test

Can You Get Cdl With Diabetes

Your diabetes must be under control! Try the following easy ways to keep control of your blood sugar.

  • Exercise It is a fantastic way to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
  • Take your medication!
  • Go into your exam well hydrated.
  • Limit caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol.
  • How can I lower my A1C without medication?

    What Are the Top Tips for Lowering A1C?

  • Start an Exercise Plan You Enjoy and Do It Regularly.
  • Eat a Balanced Diet With Proper Portion Sizes.
  • Stick to a Regular Schedule, So You Can More Easily Follow Your Healthy Diet and Lifestyle.
  • Follow the Diabetes Treatment Plan Your Healthcare Team Recommends.
  • What are A1C guidelines?

    A normal A1C level is below 5.7%, a level of 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and a level of 6.5% or more indicates diabetes. Within the 5.7% to 6.4% prediabetes range, the higher your A1C, the greater your risk is for developing type 2 diabetes.

    Recommended Reading: Free Diabetic Test Strips Onetouch Ultra

    What Happens After The Dot Physical

    Dr. McFarland compares the evidence from your physical exam with the requirements of the FMCSA to decide whether or not youre fit to qualify for a CDL. If she finds you reach the criteria laid down by the FMCSA, she issues a medical examiners certificate, which is valid for up to two years.

    To arrange a DOT physical, contact MyNP Professionals today, or book an appointment online.

    How Commercial Drivers Can Prepare For Your Dot Physical

    If youre a commercial vehicle driver, you probably know you need a DOT physical every two years. However, those with a condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or nerve pain could be required to have an exam every six months to a year. These physicals ensure that drivers are physically sound to operate the commercial motor vehicle in the certain gross vehicle weight rating class they are licensed to drive. A DOT physical follows strict guidelines that are mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration , ensuring that commercial drivers, especially those that drive interstate commerce and all safety-sensitiveemployees, are in good health to operate a vehicle safely.

    With these strict guidelines, DOT physicals can sometimes seem overwhelming, so we are here to offer some help in simplifying the process and let you know how to get ready for your exam.

    You May Like: The Best Medicine For Type 2 Diabetes

    What Is The Difference Between Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes

    The main difference between the type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition that often shows up early in life, and type 2 is mainly lifestyle-related and develops over time. With type 1 diabetes, your immune system is attacking and destroying the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.

    How To Pass The Dot Physical

    Can diabetics pass the DOT physical (non IDD specific)

    Aside from skill performance evaluation, you need a CDL medical card to qualify to drive and operate a commercial motor vehicle. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, qualified drivers can help prevent CMVrelated fatalities and injuries.

    However, some commercial trucking drivers fail their DOT physicals. A medical examiner may determine that you arent fit to do your job safely. If youre in a similar situation, theres no reason to be uneasy. There are practical options you can consider.

    Read Also: What Happens If I Have Diabetes

    How Can You Prepare For The Dot Physical Exam

    Several documents are typically required by medical examiners when you go in for your physical. Bring your commercial learner permit or license, as well as any other documentation that the DMV may require to confirm your identity. Additionally, you must bring a completed DOT medical certification form for the medical examiner with you. Talk to the medical provider if you are taking any medications or have any health issues that could affect your current situation.

    Please note that Indeed is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in this article.

    > > > Discover The 1 Green Veggie That Worsens Diabetes Type 2 Symptoms

    Diabetes can be managed through oral medications. In addition to insulin, metformin, which is a sugar-reducing agent, is also a common treatment for diabetes. It is considered a first-line therapy for diabetes treatment and is often added to insulin. It is important to know the risks of taking diabetes medications. Some drugs can be addictive, so you must consult your doctor before taking any medication. Your physician can prescribe you an appropriate treatment plan based on your medical history.

    Your doctor will prescribe medication and check your blood glucose levels on a regular basis. Your A1c level will be checked every six months and your cholesterol levels will be tested regularly. Your doctor will also look for any signs of retinopathy, which is damage to the nerves in the eye caused by diabetes. You will also be examined for any foot problems. It is important to see a foot specialist regularly. Your feet should be thoroughly inspected for damage to the nerves.

    While the first two types of insulin are the most common treatments, diabetes can be treated in a variety of ways. Your doctor may prescribe medications to control high blood pressure, which can protect the kidneys. Other types of medication include aspirin and other types of anti-platelet drugs. If your doctor is concerned about your blood sugar level, you may need to try a different medication. Some medications can cause side effects. Your treatment will depend on what type of insulin you need.

    Don’t Miss: Low Blood Sugar After Exercise

    Requirements For Passing The Dot Physical

    Passing a DOT physical every 1-2 years is a requirement for any commercial driver. Its important to make sure that drivers who haul hazardous materials, drive heavy vehicles, and transport large numbers of passengers are fit for the job and can do it safely, without posing a hazard to themselves or other drivers on the road.

    There are a number of physical requirements that must be met, including vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health.

    Can You Drive A Truck If You Have Type 2 Diabetes

    Commercial Driver Medical Examination (DOT) Update

    In 2018, a CDL can be obtained by a person with type 2 diabetes as a result of a new FMCSA ruling regarding people with diabetes. The new rule reflects contemporary diabetes management and eliminates the blanket ban on insulin use.

    I am board-certified in both gastroenterology and internal medicine. In the past, I was chief resident at one of the countrys premier residency programs, Northwestern. Consequently, diabetes is a medical problem that I have managed and struggled with throughout the years. Ive seen patients and close friends struggle with the disease, lose control, and face increasingly severe effects.

    If I had given them this book years earlier, it would have avoided all of their pain. Whether it is managing prescriptions, uncontrolled blood sugar, or consequences such as gastroparesis, diabetic enteropathy, nerve damage, foot/toe amputations, bone infections, renal failure, or stroke. Unfortunately, if you wait until these issues arise, you will have lost your chance.

    I wish I had had access to this book 10 years ago. It would have been my secret weapon for healing many individuals. Individuals with type 2 diabetes have the potential to reverse, and in some circumstances even cure, their illness. In the meanwhile, persons with type 1 may attain improved blood sugar control, optimize their A1C, and drastically decrease their insulin needs. All of these chances are successes for individuals with diabetes.

    What is maximum blood sugar level for DOT physical?

    You May Like: How To Pass The Glucose Test

    Can You Pass A Dot Physical With Type 2 Diabetes

    Yes, though it will depend on the circumstances of your condition and the opinion of your medical examiner. It will be largely up to their professional opinion whether you are safe to operate a CMV. If you control your diabetes and regularly monitor your condition, you wont likely have a problem getting the all-clear from your medical examiner.

    Your medical examiner may ask you:

    • Do you regularly monitor your blood sugar level?
    • Do you take any over-the-counter medications/supplements for diabetes?
    • Do you have a history of feeling faint, dizzy, or any other loss of consciousness?
    • Have you had a hypoglycemic reaction in the past? What did that look like? When did it happen recently? What were the circumstances?

    Your doctor will also test your urine for the presence of sugars.

    Can I Pass A Dot Physical With Diabetes Or High Blood Sugar Levels

    Yes, you can pass a DOT physical if you have diabetes.

    However, diabetes is one of four conditions that have objective disqualifiers where, if your symptoms of diabetes meet one of their disqualifying conditions, you will automatically fail the exam.

    Hyperglycemia means there is too much sugar in the blood because the body lacks enough insulin. Associated with diabetes, hyperglycemia can cause vomiting, excessive hunger and thirst, rapid heartbeat, vision problems and other symptoms.

    Automatic disqualification for diabetes applies to drivers who have been diagnosed with severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy or proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

    This often leads to a similar question, can I pass a DOT physical if I have Type 2 diabetes?

    Again, yes, but it depends on your medical examiners opinion of the severity of your condition. But, if you control your diabetes and regularly monitor your condition, you should be able to pass a DOT medical exam.

    In a DOT physical, medical examiners will look for signs of diabetes and may recommend further investigation if they believe you have diabetes.

    The medical examiner will:

    You May Like: Can You Donate A Kidney If You Have Diabetes

    Your Blood Pressure Needs To Be Under Control

  • Exercise this is an easy way to lower blood pressure and reduce stress.
  • Do not drink excess alcohol it raises blood pressure dramatically.
  • Reduce sodium in your diet, limit intake of processed foods.
  • Cut back on caffeine.
  • Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • Do not eat fatty meals for 3 days leading up to your physical.
  • Take your blood pressure often.
  • If you have diabetes, your blood sugar needs to be in check!
  • Can I Pass A Dot Physical With High Blood Pressure

    How to PASS your DOT Physical

    Yes, you can pass a DOT physical if you have high blood pressure, but your medical examiner may require regular monitoring of your condition and shorter expiration of your medical card.

    High blood pressure can weaken arteries from the constant pressure of blood flowing through them, leading to kidney failure, damage to the blood vessels in the eyes and fluid backup in the lungs.

    To pass a DOT physical, your blood pressure must be under 140/90.

    Drivers with blood pressure over 140/90 can still get certified to drive, but the certification will only be for 1 year or less depending on the level of hypertension.

    If this becomes a long-term issue, your medical examiner may help you find ways to lower your blood pressure, such as recommending:

    • drinking more water instead of coffee and soda
    • stopping any negative drinking or smoking habits
    • eating a healthier balanced diet with more fruits and vegetables, especially with higher amounts of potassium
    • exercising and meditation routines

    Simplify the entire DOT physical, drug testing, consortium, and DQF process

    Our complete Proactive Safety Management program has been organized to get you through an FMCSA audit by managing your driver qualification files, drug consortium, Electronic Logging Devices , vehicle maintenance and more.

    Whether you are a large trucking company that is onboarding drivers quickly or a construction outfit with multiple trucks in your fleet, you need to stay aware of FMCSA regulations.

    Recommended Reading: What Can Diabetes Do To Your Feet

    Is It Safe To Drive A Truck If I Have Diabetes

    Yes and no. Well-managed and treated diabetes won’t negatively impact your ability to operate a CMV safely. However, the risk of hypoglycemia and loss of consciousness due to unhealthy blood sugar levels poses a severe risk for truckers and other drivers on the road. This is why the medical examiner and treating physician must decide on a case-by-case basis.

    What Is A Dot Physical

    The Department of Transportation requires everyone who operates a vehicle in the course of their job to be certified as a commercial driver. To obtain your CDL, you need to undergo a medical assessment that confirms theres no reason why you shouldnt be driving.

    The exam covers an extensive range of health checks, and only licensed examiners who are on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration National Registry can conduct DOT physicals.

    Also Check: Target Blood Sugar Levels For Type 2 Diabetes

    How Hard Is It To Pass A Dot Physical

    DOT physicals are designed to determine if youre healthy enough to drive a commercial vehicle. Many conditions that might disqualify you can be managed.

    If you can show that your condition is manageable and that youre under a medical professionals close care, youll usually be able to obtain a certificate.

    Certain medical conditions may, however, disqualify you. These include:

    • poor vision that is not correctable

    What Does A Dot Physical Cover

    How To Pass Your CDL Medical Physical with Dr. David Parker

    The DOT physical exam covers every aspect of your physical health that could affect your ability to drive safely. Standards required to pass the DOT physical include having minimum 20/40 and 70 peripheral vision in the horizontal, either with or without corrective lenses ability to hear a forced whisper up to five feet away, with or without a hearing aid and having blood pressure and pulse rate within healthy parameters.

    During your physical exam, Dr. McFarland assesses multiple aspects of your health, looking for problems such as:

    • Glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration
    • Perforated eardrums or scarring
    • Musculoskeletal injuries
    • Neurological problems

    Dr. McFarland also takes a urine sample to check for underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.

    Recommended Reading: Why Does A Diabetic Need Insulin

    Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Eliminates The Federal Diabetes Exemption Program

    On September 19, 2018, FMCSA published Qualifications of Drivers Diabetes Standard final rule, which revised the physical qualifications standard for insulin treated diabetes mellitus individuals operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. The revised standard allows certified medical examiners on FMCSAs National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, in consultation with an ITDM individuals treating clinician, to evaluate and determine whether to grant an ITDM individual a medical examiners certificate to drive a CMV in interstate commerce. FMCSA has determined, therefore, that a diabetes exemption program for ITDM individuals is no longer necessary.

    On February 21, 2019, FMCSA published a Federal Register notice withdrawing its September 3, 2003, notice concerning exemptions for certain individuals with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus and its November 8, 2005, revision. Select this link to view the withdrawal notice for the Federal Diabetes Exemption Program.

    More articles

    Popular Articles