CDME Module 2: Vision, Hearing, Diabetes Mellitus-Daly PA, et. al. Expert Panel Commentary and Recommendations. Diabetes and Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety

Daly PA, et. al. Expert Panel Commentary and Recommendations. Diabetes and Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety

Pdf Summary

This document is a report that summarizes the findings of an expert panel on the impact of diabetes on commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver safety. The panel reviewed evidence and made recommendations to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The report addresses key questions related to the risk of motor vehicle crashes among individuals with diabetes, the role of hypoglycemia in crash risk, treatment-specific risk factors for severe hypoglycemia, and the effectiveness of hypoglycemia awareness training. <br /><br />The panel found that individuals with diabetes have a small but statistically significant increased risk of motor vehicle crashes compared to individuals without diabetes. However, the risk is similar for both insulin-treated and non-insulin-treated individuals with diabetes. The panel also found that hypoglycemia is a significant risk factor for impaired driving ability and cognitive function in individuals with type 1 diabetes. However, the evidence on hypoglycemia's impact on crash risk is inconclusive. <br /><br />Based on their findings, the panel made several recommendations. They recommended the creation of a CMV expert panel of endocrinologists to serve as a consultant resource to certified medical examiners. They also recommended specific training for medical examiners on diabetes and its impact on driving ability, as well as the evaluation of peripheral neuropathy. The panel emphasized the need for further research on the risk factors for crash risk in individuals with diabetes, as well as the effectiveness of various treatments and interventions.

Asset Caption

Presented to the FMCSA, September 8, 2006

Keywords

diabetes

CMV driver safety

expert panel

motor vehicle crashes

hypoglycemia

insulin-treated

non-insulin-treated

driving ability

cognitive function

type 1 diabetes