How many of you are Diabetics?

JohnBoy45 · May 2, 2006

Hi, I have had people tell me that people with diabetes can't drive commercial trucks or become a airplane pilot because of dangers of high and low sugar. What about people driving tractors for commercial farming? Is this against the law to?

Terry.

PitbullMidwest · May 2, 2006

I'm Type II diabetic and can tell you that if you manage your diabetes properly, life is no different for you than for non-diabetics.

I have read that the FAA wanted to relax rules that would allow Type I (insulin dependent) and Type 2 (who need insulin) to obtain a flight certificate. Unless something did change, they can currently only fly ultralights.

There is also a DOT diabetes exemption program that allows diabetics a obtain a commercial license. Teamsters.

If you can fly planes and drive trucks, I don't know why you couldn't drive tractors commercially.

Piedmont3 · May 2, 2006

I am a type I (insulin Dependant) diabetic, I keep my blood sugar levels under great control. my last Hemoglobin A1C was 5.7. That equates to an average blood sugar level of about 107 mg/dl. I tried to get a CDL license about 15 or 20 years ago when Oklahoma went from the standard commercial chauffers license to the CDL. I can get the license but with some restrictions.
1. I cannot get the endorsement to carry hazardous material. (NO hazardous anything)
2. I cannot get the endorsement to carry passengers.(NO Bus driver, NO taxi driver)
3. I have to have a full physical from a state approved Dr. (that I have to pay for) every year to be able to have the privilege of driving.
4. I drove a forklift in a lumberyard from the time I was 14 until I was almost 30. I always had to take a certification test every year, to get the "license" to continue driving the lift for my employer, they never cared about my diabetes.

flwiii · May 2, 2006

I was not aware of such restrictions on diabetics. This is a good thing to know. Thanks to all for the information here. I wonder what else they restrict diabetic people over?

flwiii · May 4, 2006

If an A1C of 5.7% equates to an average blood sugar amount of 107 mg/dl. What would an A1C of 6.0% equate to?

I am a type 2 diabetic. I do not take insulin, but do take metformin and watch what I eat. My last A1C (a week ago) was 6.0%.

JohnBoy45 · May 4, 2006

I'm also a type 2 diabetic and now taking 2000 mgs of metformin and also 2.5 Glyburide.

Terry

PitbullMidwest · May 5, 2006

( I'm also a type 2 diabetic and now taking 2000 mgs of metformin and also 2.5 Glyburide )

Are you taking them as seperate meds? If so, you may consider talking to your doctor about Glucovance which combines the metformin and glyburide into a single pill. I've had great success with it and currently take one pill 2 times a day dosed at 2.5 mg glyburide and 500 mg metformin (2.5/500).

I'm glad to hear that others are successfully treating their diabetes.

JohnBoy45 · May 5, 2006

Thanks for information. My diabetes is considered out of control by my doctor. Because blood sugar has been between 150-278 which is not good. This doctor of mine wants me to take Actos drug which is 30 mgs.

Terry

Piedmont3 · May 5, 2006

( If an A1C of 5.7% equates to an average blood sugar amount of 107 mg/dl. What would an A1C of 6.0% equate to? )
I am not sure what they use as a multiplier (I think maybe 18.??? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif ) to calculate the average blood sugar level out of a hemoglobin A1C result.
I just got the number off of my last set of test results from my Dr.

flwiii · May 5, 2006

Those must be some large pills. I take 1000 mg of Metformin; 500 mg in the morning and 500 mg in the evening. I also take 10 mg Lisinopril for blood pressure and 10 mg lipitor for cholesterol.

My fasting blood sugar is usually around 110 mg/dl. A couple of hours after eating it may go up into the 140's if I eat correctly and into the 170's when I don't. Between meals it may dip down to 97 or so.

The doc thinks my sugar is under control, but really wants me to get the weight off. Which I probably should, but after a while I miss the flavors of Mashed potatoes, Chips and Salsa, Green Chile burros etc. Salads and veggies get boring.