Getting A Trucking Job While Having Type 1 Diabetes.

I just obtained my CDL after passing my pre-trip, skills and road test. Now my next step is getting a trucking job. I've only applied at one company so far (They use a 3rd party hiring firm and have already called me back to go over my application). I have a consistent work history. I worked in a career and retired after 20 years in may of this year. I also never missed a day due to injury. However in 2005 I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and spent a night in the hospital...I did not pass out for information. My a1c is consistently between 6.8 and 7.3. My last career also consisted of driving a vehicle 80 to 100 miles a day. Will me having diabetes scare off trucking companies from hiring me?

I don't really know how companies deal with Type 1 diabetes, but if you observe truck drivers you have already noticed that many are seriously obese and many probably have diabetes. Yet they are still driving. I had blood/glucose test about a year ago and my doctor warned me that I was getting very close to Type 1

I did my research, cut out almost all starches and dramatically reduced my numbers. Diet changes can make mild diabetes a moot point.

I just obtained my CDL after passing my pre-trip, skills and road test. Now my next step is getting a trucking job. I've only applied at one company so far (They use a 3rd party hiring firm and have already called me back to go over my application). I have a consistent work history. I worked in a career and retired after 20 years in may of this year. I also never missed a day due to injury. However in 2005 I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and spent a night in the hospital...I did not pass out for information. My a1c is consistently between 6.8 and 7.3. My last career also consisted of driving a vehicle 80 to 100 miles a day. Will me having diabetes scare off trucking companies from hiring me?

Howdy, B the Rookie!

Welcome to Trucking Truth!!!! Congrats on passing all that!!!! That's awesome.

Bruce is ABSOLUTELY correct. MANY drivers are diabetic, and as long as the condition is managed partnered with their doctor, they're good. Only a 1 year FedMed card, but ... so what?

Marc Lee is a perfect example; he had an insulin 'pump,' and had brief jobs with FOUR big name trucking companies. The diabetes was a non issue; other things were.

Marc Lee's Posts/Comments

Have you entertained applying here? We are partnered with some of THE FINEST companies, and all of our professional drivers are here to support you, through the process.

Apply For Truck Driving Jobs

Wish you the BEST!!

I don't really know how companies deal with Type 1 diabetes, but if you observe truck drivers you have already noticed that many are seriously obese and many probably have diabetes. Yet they are still driving. I had blood/glucose test about a year ago and my doctor warned me that I was getting very close to Type 1

I did my research, cut out almost all starches and dramatically reduced my numbers. Diet changes can make mild diabetes a moot point.

Hope all else is going well with YOUR med stuff, Bruce! Always good to see you around.

Sending Best Wishes, guys!

~ Anne ~

Bruce,

I've had diabetes for 16 years and I'm big into health so that's not a problem. I have a goal to get 10,000 steps everyday and reach that goal 5 times a week on average. The company I applied for is local, no touch freight with 10-12 hour shifts. My plan is to walk around the warehouse/distribution center when I'm being live unloaded for for exercise, bring all my own food on the road, walk during my 30 and keep my diet lower carb.

Annie,

Thank you for the words of encouragement. I'll check out Marc Lee's page. Maybe I'm stressing out over nothing. I was just asked so many questions from the perspective employer about diabetes it made me have doubts. I did only apply three days ago so I gotta be positive about it.

That A1C is borderline, so they don't have you on insulin I pray? What's your diet like?

PackRat,

I am on insulin and have been since 2005 when I was diagnosed. I had to get a form filled out by my Doctor to give to the Doctor, who performed my DOT physical. I am in very good shape. I walk regularly and also lift weights periodically. The only physical ailment I have is type 1 diabetes. My diet is pretty consistent...protein shake for breakfast, then if I eat a sandwich I'll have greens with it instead of chips, a lot of lower carb jerky, almonds and dehydrated cheese (zero carbs) as a snack. From everything I read the FMCSA wants an a1c under 8% and considers 10% to be high.

I can tell you with nearly 90% certainty that if you were to go full on Keto, no cheating, for six months, you'd be off insulin.

You on the internet much?

I can go lower carb but not full keto. If I consume all low carbs, then my blood sugar goes too low and I have to consume sugar. Then in turn I have to consume more calories then I want to.

Calories are meaningless. The only thing that matters is carbs.

I want you to check out this website run by Kevin Rutherford. Completely free.

Healthytribe.com

Type 1 diabetes is different than type 2.

Type 1 diabetics do not produce insulin.