What must the treating clinician determine for insulin-treated diabetics?

For insulin-treated diabetics, the treating clinician must determine if the patient is medically qualified and free of complications. This is essential because individuals with diabetes, especially those on insulin, can experience a variety of complications that may affect their ability to drive safely. These complications can include neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney issues, and hypoglycemia, which can all impair driving skills and increase the risk of accidents.

Ensuring that the patient is medically qualified involves evaluating their overall health, stability of their diabetes management, and any other co-existing medical conditions that could impact their driving abilities. By confirming the absence of complications, the clinician safeguards not just the individual patient but also other road users. This determination forms part of the broader assessment for commercial drivers under the FMCSA regulations, making it a critical component of the evaluation process for insulin-treated diabetics.