Long hours. Limited food options. Stress. Sleep disruption. These are just a few parts of life on the road. For truck drivers, this demanding lifestyle can wear you down and increase your risk for serious health issues, including diabetes. And that’s not just a health concern. Diabetes can be a career-ending diagnosis if not properly managed.
The Rise of Diabetes in the Trucking Industry
Diabetes has become a major health issue in the U.S., with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating that over 11% of the adult population—more than 38 million Americans—have diabetes. Among truck drivers, the rate is even higher.
According to a survey conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), more than 14% of long-haul truckers reported having diabetes. That number is likely underreported, given the number of drivers who go undiagnosed or delay seeking medical care.
Why the spike in diabetes among drivers? It’s often a mix of the following:
Common Risk Factors for Truck Drivers
1. Sedentary Lifestyle
Drivers spend the majority of their day sitting. This lack of physical activity decreases insulin sensitivity, a key issue in both Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
2. Irregular and Poor Diet
Access to healthy meals can be a challenge on the road. Fast food, processed snacks, and sugary drinks are often the most convenient, even if they are the most harmful. A diet high in refined carbs and sugar leads to blood sugar spikes and weight gain, two major risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.
3. Obesity
Obesity is closely linked to insulin resistance. The CDC reports that roughly 70% of long-haul truckers are obese, compared to 40% of the general adult population. Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, can trigger changes in the body that lead to Type 2 diabetes.
4. Stress and Sleep Disorders
Long hours, tight schedules, and isolation contribute to chronic stress and poor sleep, which are both associated with insulin resistance and increased blood glucose levels.
5. Lack of Preventive Healthcare
Many drivers skip regular doctor visits, often due to their time constraints or concerns about job security. Unfortunately, this leads to delayed diagnosis and untreated prediabetes or diabetes.
Understanding the Two Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. It typically develops early in life and is not preventable.
- Type 2 Diabetes, which makes up the vast majority of diabetes cases, is often linked to lifestyle factors and occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough.
Type 2 is the type most relevant for truck drivers, though both types carry significant implications for those behind the wheel.
The DOT and Diabetes: What Drivers Need to Know
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has strict regulations around medical certifications for drivers with diabetes. A driver with insulin-treated diabetes must now meet updated standards:
- You must have your condition well-controlled and provide documentation from your treating clinician.
- A Diabetes Assessment Form (MCSA-5870) must be completed within 45 days prior to your DOT exam.
- You must not have experienced severe hypoglycemia in the past year while operating a commercial vehicle.
This means that a poorly managed diagnosis could temporarily or permanently sideline a driver.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Diabetes often starts quietly. Many drivers report not noticing anything until the condition had advanced significantly. Early signs include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Blurry vision
- Slow-healing cuts or infections
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
If you experience any of these symptoms consistently, it’s important to get checked, even if it means taking time off the road.
Managing and Preventing Diabetes on the Road
While diabetes is serious, it’s also manageable—and in some cases preventable—with a few lifestyle adjustments. Small changes can have a big impact:
1. Eat Smart
Keep healthy snacks like nuts, hard-boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, or cut veggies in the truck. Choose grilled options over fried, and opt for unsweetened drinks or water instead of soda or energy drinks.
2. Get Moving
Use your breaks for short walks or stretching. Even 10-15 minutes of movement a few times a day helps improve insulin sensitivity.
3. Monitor Your Blood Sugar
If you’ve been diagnosed or are at risk, checking your blood sugar regularly can help you catch problems before they escalate.
4. Prioritize Sleep
Poor sleep contributes to weight gain and insulin resistance. Use blackout curtains, earplugs, or white noise machines to improve rest in the cab.
5. Check In With a Doctor
Annual physicals and regular lab work are crucial. Early detection of prediabetes can prevent it from becoming full-blown diabetes.
The Bigger Picture: Your Health Is Your Livelihood
Poorly managed blood sugar levels can affect your energy, concentration, and reaction times, putting you and others at risk. If you experience a diabetic emergency behind the wheel, the consequences could be tragic.
Your health keeps you on the road and earning a living. Managing your risk for diabetes means protecting your future.
Whether you’re just starting out in trucking or have been driving for decades, it’s never too late to make your health a priority. Diabetes doesn’t have to take the driver’s seat—you do.
