Passing a DOT Physical With Diabetes

According to the CDC, 11.6% or roughly 38.4 million people in the United States have diabetes. For drivers with diabetes, one of the questions that often comes up is how it will affect your ability to be medically cleared to drive commercial vehicles with a CDL.

While diabetes can be a disqualifying factor for a CDL, that is not usually the case. We’re going to talk a bit about the regulations and what to expect at your exam.

Important note, though – these regulations are constantly changing so we make no guarantee this information will update as fast as the regulations do. If you have a concern or a specific question, the best thing to do is to give us a call for the most up to date information.

If You Have Diabetes, Your Medical Examiner May…

• Inquire about your history with diabetes.
• Ask whether you manage elevated blood sugar levels through diet, medication, and/or insulin.
• Conduct tests such as checking your urine for glucose.
• Confirm if you regularly monitor your blood sugar levels.
• Investigate if you have a history of fainting, dizziness, or any loss of consciousness.
• Ask if you’ve ever had a hypoglycemic reaction and request details about the incident if applicable.

Will I Pass a DOT Physical With Diabetes?

This is one of our most common questions. Diabetes is not an automatically disqualifying condition. In most cases, as long as you’re aware of your condition and it is being properly managed, you will be fine.

The only automatic disqualifier for drivers with diabetes is drivers who have been diagnosed with severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy or proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

What Records Will I Need To Bring?

There are a few specific things that we’ll need during your exam…

• Documentation of any medication you are taking to manage your diabetes.
• Any documentation you may have of your blood sugar management.
• If you are treated with insulin, see the below section.

Can I Pass a DOT Physical Exam If I Am Taking Insulin For Diabetes?

Yes, but there are some specific requirements that must be met for Insulin Treated Diabetes Mellitus (ITDM).

• You will need to have been on the insulin for 4 months prior to your exam.
• We’ll need additional documentation from your physician regarding the management of your condition. See our forms page to find the document you will need your doctor to fill out.

What Additional Info Will I Need If I Am Taking Insulin?

The doctor who is treating your diabetes must complete Form MCSA-5780, available from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

This form must be filled out within 45 days before the DOT physical. The physician will need the last 3 months of electronic blood glucose records to complete the form (handwritten records are not accepted).

Additionally, you will need to provide us with your most recent (within the past 3 months) HbA1c results. If the lab results are missing or any part of the form is incomplete, we will not be able to complete your physical.

DOT Medical Card Renewal With Diabetes

One important thing to note is that when you have been diagnosed with diabetes, we will only be able to grant a one year medical certificate. This is because it is a condition that can impair your ability to drive that we will need to keep an eye on.

In Conclusion…

While your condition may require additional documentation, in most cases as long as it is well managed, diabetes is not a disqualifying factor for passing your DOT Physical.

If you have any questions, do be sure to reach out to us and ask as we are happy to help!