Question
Hope someone can answer this one for me...
I know that, according to DOT Regs, you cannot obtain a CDL if you are on insulin. But, what are the regs. involving uncontrolled type II diabetes?
Is there a cut off point for glucose levels,(like they have for blood pressure) where they won't pass you until it is under control?
Thanks,
Firewalker
Answer
When you go for a DOT physical exam, you will be asked to provide a urine specimen.
That specimen will be tested by dipstrick in most cases. The stick will show abnormal blood, protein, Ph, Specific gravity, white blood cells, and elevated sugar levels.
What the dipstick shows are ballpark levels. It is merely an indicator for when someone needs more accurate or extensive testing.
Elevated sugar levels in the urine will get you a very limited card or it will get you disqualified until you are evaluated and treatment has begun thru your Primary care physician.
Very often, if the sugar level reads low to low moderate, our physician will issue a 3 month card. And request that you see your Dr. for trreatment. We will then ask you to return with records showing your actual blood test values, treament plan, proof of compliance with medications and evidence that your sugar is being controlled under this plan.
If this is the case, you will be issued a longer term card. But as a diabetic, you should never be issued more than a 1 yr. card at any time.
Hope this answers your question.
Keeping you safe, healthy and on the road.
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Answer
Hi Firewalker-
If you need help with your diet - email me! Diet can play a huge role in keeping your blood sugar at a good level.
Answer
Please feel free to go ahead and post dietary suggestions for those with elevated glucose.
Share it with all of us
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Answer
Okie Dokie Nurse Red-
Here are a few recommendations, but- as always - ask your doc first and then email me if you need specific information!
Most diabetics need at least 3 meals per day and 1 snack (at bedtime) - though it is often helpful to have a second snack between lunch and dinner.
Think of your dinner plate as a big circle. Fill half of it with vegetables, such as salad, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers - or other non-starchy vegetables. Then, take the other half of the plate and divide that in half. In one half have at least 30 grams of carbs. 30 grams of carbs is equal to 2 slices of bread, 1 cup of rice, 1 cup of beans or corn. Have 30 grams as a minimum, though many men can have up to 60 grams. Finally, to finish off your plate - add some lean protein. Fish is best (not fried, of course!) but regardless of what kind of protein you are eating- aim for a portion the size of your palm. For most men, this means the size of a ladies palm!
For each snack, try to have at least 15 grams of carbs with protein and fat too. For example, you could have 1 slice of bread with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. Do not get the reduced fat peanut butter b/c when they take out the fat (which is the heart healthy kind) they replace it with sugar - which none of us need any more of!
Well - I have to run now - but please - keep those questions coming and here's to your good health on the road!
Thanks
Answer
How simple for the traveler to measure portions like that. No calorie counting, no exchange stuff to confuse you.
So simple it's scary.
Now, with just a few adjustments, this can be a great weight loss plan too.
On that Salad, watch the dressings. That's where most of your fats are.
Those snacks...make them healthy ones. Fruit, veggies, etc. Baby carrots are filling and very sweet tasting.
Baked potatoes are filling and a good starch. They are also low cal (Medium sized under 100 calories).
It's all the junk you add to them that makes them fattening. Try them with various seasonings and lo cal ranch or blue cheese dressing instead of butter and sour cream.
Anyone with anything else to add?
Keeping you safe, healthy and on the road.
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Answer
But I think it should be mentioned that since everyone is different and metobolize foods differently some adjustments may need to be made to the suggestions made above depending on how various foods effect your blood sugar, and on how fast you end up digesting/metabolizing foods, and also taking into account what type of medications you are taking and how they effect you.
If you are diabetic, or think you maybe you need to work with your health care providers (doctor, diatecian, etc) to develop a plan of treatment that will work for you and your life style.
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