Can You Be a Truck Driver if You Have Diabetes?

If you have diabetes, you may be wondering if you can have a career as a CDL truck driver. Good news: the answer is yes. But keep reading for everything you need to know.

Federal Laws for Truckers with Diabetes

It used to be that truckers or would-be truckers with insulin-dependent diabetes had to apply for the Diabetes Exemption program created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This program was a great way for drivers with diabetes to work as truckers, but it was a very long process, and drivers couldn’t work while their application was being processed.

Thankfully, that program has been replaced. Instead of applying for the exemption program, FMCSA, truckers can now visit a FMCSA-certified medical examiner. This medical examiner will work with your regular doctor to determine whether or not to allow you to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate traffic for up to a year. Every year the certificate issued by the FMCSA-certified medical examiner needs to be renewed.

If your diabetes does not require you to take insulin, you do not need to go through any of the steps outlined above. You can start driving as soon as you have your CDL.

Tips for Drivers with Diabetes

Staying healthy as a truck driver can be challenging even for those without a chronic condition. While you should always talk to your doctor about managing your diabetes while on the road, we have compiled some helpful tips for you as well.

Add Short Workouts

Physical fitness is especially important for those with diabetes. Doing a quick bodyweight workout or walking around a truck stop every time you take a break is a good way to stay active and healthy without gym equipment.

Plan Meals and Snacks

If you’ve had diabetes for a while, you already know how important it is to plan your meals and snacks. But this is especially important when driving long distances as a trucker. Keep healthy snacks and small meals on hand when possible. Nuts, fruits and veggies, granola bars, and sandwiches are all easy and healthy snack options to keep on hand. Plan stops for locations with healthy meal options instead of spots that only offer fried food.

Carry Extra Meds

You already know how important it is that you have enough insulin, supplies and other medications for a trip. But OTR routes do not always go as planned, and unexpected delays are a part of life on the road as a long haul trucker. Packing a couple of days’ worth of extra meds will give you peace of mind on long trips.

Consider Driving Local

If managing your diabetes while being away from home for days or weeks at a time sounds too difficult, consider driving local routes only. You’ll still have to get certified if you need insulin, but being close to home may make it easier to manage your condition effectively. Fortunately, TransForce offers regional, local, and OTR positions that fit your needs and lifestyle.