Diabetes Management: What Professional Drivers Need to Know
Over 133 million Americans are diabetic or prediabetic. More than 1 in 4 people over the age of 65 has diabetes and nearly 1 in 4 adults with diabetes don’t know that they have it. This condition disproportionally affects those in the professional driving industry, and understanding it is crucial for your health and safety.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to produce or utilize insulin, the hormone that helps convert glucose to energy.
Type 1 diabetes
An auto immune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
This condition most commonly develops in children and young adults, but it can occur at any age.
Symptoms:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Extreme hunger
- Unintended weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness
- Blurred vision
Management: Those with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injection or use an insulin pump. Monitoring blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular exercise are also crucial.
Type 2 diabetes
The most common form of diabetes that occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This type of diabetes usually develops in adults over 45, but it’s increasingly being diagnosed in younger people, including children, adolescents, and young adults.
Symptoms:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Extreme hunger
- Unintended weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections
Risk Factors include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and genetics.
Management: Those with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injection or use an insulin pump. Monitoring blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular exercise are also crucial.
Prediabetes
When a person’s blood glucose levels are elevated but not high enough to achieve a diabetes diagnosis. People with A1C levels between 5.7 and 6.4 would be diagnosed as prediabetic. People in this range have an elevated risk of developing full-on diabetes. This is the proverbial canary in a coal mine. There is a great opportunity to make changes to your diet and exercise at the prediabetic stage to prevent a much worse outcome.
Gestational diabetes
Occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born, but does, however, increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
This condition affects pregnant women who have never had diabetes but who have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. There are often no associated symptoms and it is usually only detected during routine screening tests.
Why Are Drivers at Risk?
Professional drivers are at an increased risk for diabetes because of the unique challenges that they face that include:
Sedentary Lifestyle: Long hours of sitting with limited physical activity.
Irregular Eating Habits: Finding healthy food options on the road can be difficult, leading to poor diet choices.
Stress and Sleep: The demands of the job can result in high stress levels and irregular sleep patterns, both of which negatively impact blood sugar levels. Maybe try meditation and get a sleep study to screen you for sleep apnea. I’ve heard from more than one driver that a CPAP changed their life.
Prevalence Among Sedentary Professions
Research shows that professional drivers and those employed in other sedentary jobs have higher rates of diabetes compared to the general population and other professions. Given the nature of the job and the potential impact on safety and health has led the DOT to only provide conditional medical certification to those diagnosed with diabetes.
Your DOT Medical Card and Diabetes
As a driver who had high blood pressure and prediabetic A1C levels at one time, I know the anxiety of an impending DOT medical card renewal. The FMCSA has identified certain conditions that disqualify drivers from operating CMVs that include diabetes, hypertension, respiratory dysfunction, vision impairment, epilepsy, and mental disorders. If you have one of these other listed conditions and your medical examiner believes that you are well enough to drive, you can apply for one of the FMCSA’s driver exemption programs.
Health Risks and Complications
Diabetes is a complicated condition that can cause great difficulties in controlling one’s blood sugar levels. Over time, elevated levels can damage many organ systems throughout the body increasing the likelihood of developing other serious health problems as well.
Short-term Risks: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can cause dizziness and fainting, which are particularly dangerous while driving.
Long-term Complications: Cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and other serious health problems can develop over time.
Managing Diabetes on the Road
Diet and Nutrition: Try to make healthier food choices whenever possible. Fresh fruits, nuts, and wholegrains are better alternatives to fast food and sugary snacks.
Exercise: Incorporate simple exercises into your routine. Stretching, walking during breaks, and light exercises in your cab can help manage your blood sugar levels.
Medication and Monitoring: Ensure you have your medication readily available and monitor your blood sugar regularly to maintain control over your condition.
Talk to Other Drivers
Hearing from other drivers who successfully manage their diabetes can be helpful. Their experiences could highlight the importance of proactive health management and the benefits of a support from people who know the struggle.
Conclusion
Prioritizing your health can’t be underestimated. If you understand diabetes and integrate effective management strategies into your life, you can continue to excel in your profession and maintain your well-being.
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