If a driver has diabetes and is not on insulin but their condition is not controlled, can they be qualified to drive?

For a driver with diabetes who is not on insulin but whose condition is not controlled, the appropriate determination is that they cannot be qualified to drive. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict guidelines regarding medical conditions that could impair a driver's ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

Diabetes management is crucial because uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a variety of complications, including hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can result in fainting, confusion, or loss of consciousness while driving. These conditions pose significant safety risks not only to the driver but also to other road users.

A driver must demonstrate that their diabetes is well-managed, typically through stable blood sugar levels and appropriate monitoring, even if they are not on insulin. If a driver's diabetes is not under control, they fall outside the acceptable criteria set by the FMCSA for operating a commercial vehicle safely. Thus, the conclusion is that such a driver cannot be qualified to drive until they have managed their condition adequately.