I Have Diabetes. Can I Still Pass a DOT Physical?

If you’re a truck driver recently diagnosed with diabetes, you may wonder if you can still drive for a  living. While diabetes is a complex disease that requires daily attention, it doesn’t disqualify you from having a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

You can pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical with diabetes as long as you have your condition under control.

At Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland, our team performs DOT physicals and helps commercial drivers understand the medical requirements for passing the exam. In this month’s blog, we explain how diabetes may affect driving, DOT requirements for people with diabetes, and what you can do to ensure that you pass the physical.

Diabetes and driving

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when blood sugar is higher than normal, which can affect energy, concentration, and reaction time. 

Having too much sugar in your blood means your cells aren’t getting the energy they need, making you feel tired and sluggish. It may also affect concentration and slow reflexes, increasing risk of accidents. Over time, excess blood sugar may damage the eyes, affecting vision.

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is also a concern for commercial drivers with diabetes. A sudden drop in blood sugar may cause dizziness, confusion, and poor judgment, making it dangerous to operate a commercial vehicle.

Because public safety is a top priority, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has set requirements for commercial drivers with diabetes.

DOT physical requirements for diabetes

All commercial drivers must meet certain health requirements in order to pass the DOT exam. Because diabetes may affect driving, the FMCSA regulations include additional requirements for people with diabetes including:

• No diabetic retinopathy
• Stable insulin regimen
• Properly controlled, insulin-managed diabetes

The current FMCSA regulations don’t include any specific requirements for blood sugar or hemoglobin A1C (A1C) levels. However, you do need to present a detailed diabetes management plan, current blood sugar readings, and a note from your doctor confirming that you’re fit to drive when you take your DOT exam. 

During the physical examination, we check vision, reflexes, and blood pressure. We may also order bloodwork to check A1C levels and ask to see your at-home glucose monitor readings.

Managing diabetes for safe driving

The best way to ensure that you pass your DOT physical exam is to have a sustainable diabetes management plan. Your doctor customizes treatment plans based on each patient’s specific needs; your plan may include:

• Regular blood glucose monitoring
• Medication management
• A balanced diet
• An exercise program
• Good sleep habits
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Taking control of your health not only helps you pass your DOT physical, but it also helps you stay safe on the road.

If you have diabetes and need a DOT exam, our team is ready to help. We can talk to you about the health requirements and the documents required to complete the exam. Call us today to schedule an appointment at our office in Midland, Michigan, or book an appointment online.