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Many truck drivers with insulin-dependent diabetes could safely operate commercial vehicles in interstate commerce, according to a panel of physicians who are experts in the treatment of condition.

This finding was part of a report submitted to Congress in July by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration but only recently released to the public. The agency examined whether a protocol to grant commercial driver licenses to insulin-dependent diabetics could be developed and what it would look like. That report, due out last December, was delayed while the newly created Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration took over responsibility for the project from the Federal Highway Administration.

The report outlined a three-component program under which Type 1 diabetics — those who are insulin-dependent — could operate commercial motor vehicles.

The candidate’s experience, safety record, history of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and physical condition would be screened. He or she would be given guidelines for managing the disease, including supplies, glucose level monitoring techniques and knowledge about appropriate blood glucose levels. And a process would be created for monitoring insulin-dependent commercial drivers, including requirements for medical examinations, instructions on how glucose measures should be taken and reviewed and information about how episodes of severe hypoglycemia and accidents should be reported.

For the full story, see the Nov. 27 print edition of Transport Topics. .