More education needed for diabetes treatment of commercial drivers

Some health care providers reported they are not familiar with current regulations and management strategies regarding commercial driver’s license holders, suggesting that more diabetes education is needed, according to study findings published in The Diabetes Educator.

Jessica L. Kerr, PharmD, CDE, of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy, and colleagues conducted a survey-based study of 136 American Association of Diabetes Educators members to determine their knowledge of regulations concerning insulin use in commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, as well as to evaluate diabetes management and changing prescribing habits in the population.

Nearly ninety percent of participants (88.4%) reported that the law for diabetes and CDL holders should be the same regardless of type of diabetes, and 61.5% reported they did not know if their state followed federal regulations or had state-specific rules regarding insulin use. Thirty-three percent reported they did not know what the federal law was regarding insulin use in diabetes, whereas 61% reported that they believed the federal law prevents proper management of diabetes.

Completion and validation of department of transportation forms were reported by 7.4% of participants, and 82.8% reported they did not restrict CDL forms due to poorly managed diabetes. More than half of participants (53.7%) reported they did not avoid diabetes medications in patients with CDLs, and less than 20% reported they felt that a patient’s risk for a diabetes-related accident was linked to insulin use.

“With the potential negative impact insulin use had for CDL holders and their employment, there is a need for further research regarding proper management of diabetes in this patient population,” the researchers wrote. “Until further trials are completed, health care providers can play an important role by staying up to date on current legislation regarding CDLs and insulin use, advocating for changes in laws and regulations, and providing proper patient education to increase the patient’s safety while driving.” – by Amber Cox

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.

View the original article here