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Jun 16, 2006 11:02 AM

Truck drivers who treat their diabetes with insulin should be given the opportunity to operate commercial motor vehicles, according to a labor union official.

"It is unfair to discriminate against diabetic drivers by placing unwarranted and unjust obstacles in the way of many qualified drivers when diabetes is such a treatable disease," Edward Wytkind, AFL-CIO, said in a letter to the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Congress eliminated the requirement that individuals with diabetes have three years experience operating a commercial motor vehicle while using insulin in last year's surface transportation reauthorization bill, the letter pointed out. "We now call on the DOT to implement this change and to certify qualified diabetic drivers as quickly as possible."

Wytkind added: "Individual drivers with treatable diabetes should be examined by a qualified physician with specific knowledge of diabetes who can offer a clear assessment of their ability to hold a commercial driver's license. Drivers certified to safely operate a motor vehicle should receive a license and perform without restriction."