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Medication management question

by Jake
(AZ)

Hi there. I was wondering how life on the road affects your ability to adhere to your medication dosing requirements, if you take any.

How do you store your medications, especially drugs like insulin which are sensitive to exposure and heat?

How do you remember to take them? I often focus around things I do each day to help me actually remember to take them, and I still have a helluva time. I don't know, but I imagine that the day-in-the-life is either really dynamic or really monotonous, so having a consistent cue at the same time everyday probably does not exist.

Is it difficult to get enough meds to cover your schedule if you're away from your pharmacy or mail-box for extended periods?

Thanks for reading over this!

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Jun 29, 2013
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insulin . yes allowed. NEW
by: Anonymous

http://www.driving-truck-school.com/diabetes_and_cdl.html

,
There still appears to be alot of confusion concerning whether or not persons with insulin diabetes are able to obtain a CDL license. For years, there was a ban that prevented those with diabetes who used insulin from driving commercial vehicles within interstate operation. However, in 2003, the FMCSA introduced the Diabetes Exemption Program which allowed individuals with insulin treated diabetes the ability to operate a CMV in interstate commerce.

In the beginning, this new regulation still had its problems. Mainly, it still required that people with insulin diabetes must have already driven commercially for the previous three years. If not, they would not be qualified for the exemption.

Then, in late 2005, everything changed for the better. Due to the effort by the American Diabetes Association, President Bush signed into law, doing away with the three year requirement. There is no longer any need to show previous commercial driving experience, even if you are on insulin. However, there still are 57 other screenings, guidelines and provisions that one must pass in order to be granted the exemption. Also, one must abide by any particular state requirements in regards to the commercial driver license.

There are many questions and answers floating around the net stating that it is not possible to receive a CDL if you have insulin diabetes. The Truth is . . . YES YOU CAN! Thanks to the new regulations of the Diabetes Exemption Program, signed into law in 2005.

Until the physical qualification standards within the regulations are amended by the FMCSA, you will have to apply for the exemption. You can find the 16 page Diabetes Exemption Form you can download and fill out from the FMCSA site.

You will have to be evaluated by an Endocrinologist and an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist, and the form has areas that will need to be filled out by the doctors. The FMCSA must grant or deny an exemption within 180 days of receiving your application.

According to the law passed by Congress, individuals with insulin treated diabetes will have to demonstrate that they have control of the diabetes while on insulin. For those with Type 1 diabetes, they are required to have been on insulin for two months before they can apply for the exemption. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes are required to have been on insulin for at least one month. But, as you can see, one or two months is much better than the three year rule!

Aubrey Allen Smith is the author of the first and original Truth About Trucking. Recognized as the leading advocate for assisting students and new drivers, he has also authored the popular eBooks, The Best Truck Driving Jobs - A State by State Guide, and So You've Got your CDL...Now What? Please visit http://www.truthabouttrucking.com/about.htm for more information.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aubrey_Allen_Smith

Jun 29, 2013
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insulin dependent drivers NEW
by: Anonymous

this is just one of many dept notes on this topic, do your research my friend. ive been a diabetic for over 33 yrs insulin is a natural thing that you are also very dependent on. in fact we all are.

http://www.ode.state.or.us/news/announcements/announcement.aspx?=2021

2/27/2002
Memo # 146-2001-02 School Bus Driver Physicals and Insulin Dependent Bus Drivers

TO: Superintendents and Transportation Supervisors

RE: School Bus Driver Physicals and Insulin Dependent Bus Drivers

On February 21, 2002, the State Board amended OAR 581-053-0002 and OAR 581-053-0006. Two significant changes affecting school bus driver physicals take effect with the school bus driver renewals, which may begin March 1, 2002.

Drivers who are over 55 years of age will not be required to have an EKG. Their renewal period will still remain at one year. However, the examining physicians may also require a resting ECG or other tests as determined appropriate, if there is any evidence of myocardial infarction within the past three months or unstable angina pectoris.

Secondly, driver/applicants who are insulin dependent may qualify to hold a school bus driver permit or certificate. Drivers, who are insulin dependent, will have to submit form number 581-2278d-E along with their school bus driver application. They also have to submit a copy of an HbA1C within the acceptable limits and an annual eye examine.

Insulin dependent school bus drivers will have to check their glucose levels one hour prior to driving their bus and approximately every four hours while on duty. Their levels must be greater than 100 mg/dl and less than 300 mg/dl. Drivers will be required to keep a log of their levels for up to six months. For other requirements, please reference the rules. You can locate them on the Department's web site: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/results/?id=47

Revised School Bus Driver Application form number 581-2278b-M will be sent to districts when they are available. Expected date is mid-March 2002.

If you have any questions regarding this change, please feel free to contact Deborah Lincoln at (503) 378-3600 Ext 2664

Kate Dickson, Ph.D.
Deputy Superintendent
of Public Instruction

Jun 29, 2013
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driving a truck or bus while on insulin NEW
by: Anonymous

to the person who thinks i need to recheck the facts on commericial drivers and as they say schoolbus drivers driving while on insulin being legal i suggest you pick up a copy of the fmcsa rules and look up 391.41..b.. you cannot get a medical card if you are on insulin, no medical no drive and this is not discrimintory as you stated in your reply. now you please recheck your facts .

Jun 29, 2013
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onsulin operating illegal? NEW
by: Anonymous

anonymus, you need to recheck your facts, even a school bus driver may now drive americas most precious cargo, on prescribed insulin.

and no one can be discriminated in the work place cause they are on prescription insulin.

Jun 28, 2013
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medication management NEW
by: Anonymous

if a driver is on insulin he is operating illegally

Jun 28, 2013
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medication management NEW
by: Anonymous

if a driver is on insulin he is operating illegally

Jun 28, 2013
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Medication management NEW
by: trucker yitz

well 1st of all if having these meds keeps one in qualification to drive, then i strongly suggest programming your cell phone to ring an alarm at the same time every day. missing a dose of insulin will very likely either put you above the 180 glucose level or the opposite by you not eating correctly from a missed dose, put you below normal.

as for othe meds, like blood pressure, and others that keep a cdl driver qualified i recomend the same. and other meds for liker a cold or such, well i dont think one forgets to take those, when they feel sick.

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