DOT Requirements for Diabetes Type 2
The FMCSA revised DOT Requirements for Diabetes Type 2 in 2018 to no longer prohibit drivers with diabetes when they have a stable insulin regimen and properly controlled insulin-treated diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that happens because of a problem in the way the body regulates and uses sugar as a fuel. That sugar also is called glucose. This long-term condition results in too much sugar circulating in the blood. Eventually, high blood sugar levels can lead to disorders of the circulatory, nervous and immune systems.
In type 2 diabetes, there are primarily two problems. The pancreas does not produce enough insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into the cells. And cells respond poorly to insulin and take in less sugar.
Type 2 diabetes used to be known as adult-onset diabetes, but both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can begin during childhood and adulthood. Type 2 is more common in older adults. But the increase in the number of children with obesity has led to more cases of type 2 diabetes in younger people.
There’s no cure for type 2 diabetes. Losing weight, eating well and exercising can help manage the disease. If diet and exercise aren’t enough to control blood sugar, diabetes medications or insulin therapy may be recommended.
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FMCSA Diabetes Standard Description
FMCSA revised its driver physical qualification standards in 49 CFR 391.41(b) to permit individuals with a stable insulin regimen and properly controlled insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) to be qualified to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. Prior to the final rule, ITDM individuals were prohibited from driving commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce unless they obtained an exemption from FMCSA. The final rule revised guidance in the Medical Advisory Criteria in Appendix A to Part 391 by removing and reserving paragraph C relating to diabetes. Additionally, the rule revised guidance in Question 3 to 49 CFR 391.41 to reflect that FMCSA’s regulations no longer absolutely prohibited ITDM individuals from driving commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce.
Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (MCSA-5870)
As a part of the medical certification process for insulin treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) individuals, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires that the Insulin Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (ITDM), MCSA-5870, be completed by the ITDM individual’s Treating Clinician attesting that the individual has a stable insulin regimen and properly controlled diabetes. ITDM individuals are required to provide the ITDM Assessment Form, MCSA-5870, to the Certified Medical Examiner within 45 days of completion by the Treating Clinician.