with diabetes who take insulin. The February 2006 issue of Diabetes Diabetes Health has provided coverage of inspirational, poignant issues such as …
DPS Backgrounder: Driving with Diabetes or Seizures
In an effort to protect Texas drivers, those with diabetes should be aware that when applying for a drivers license or renewing a license, questions pertaining to their medical history with diabetes will be asked Two questions applicants will be asked to answer are: 1 Have you had an epileptic seizure, convulsions, unexplained loss of consciousness or other type of seizure within one year of applying for a Class C license or two years if applying for a Class A or B license? 2 Do you have diabetes requiring treatment with insulin by injection? If the respondent answers yes to either of these questions, further information may be needed before processing any more of the application because the qualifications for a commercial drivers license requires drivers to not need insulin to control diabetes and not have an established record of seizures If doubt still exists about the drivers competency, a Medical Advisory Board MAB referral may be initiated by the drivers license office The Driver Improvement Bureau receives all crash reports that involve diabetic reactions or seizures as a possible cause for the collision Once this
information is verified proper steps will be taken to see if the individual should go through the MAB If the individual is placed through the MAB, they will receive a packet from the Department of State Health Services DSHS containing information for the individuals physician to complete Then, if the MAB determines that the individual is in fact unable to meet the Texas medical qualifications set, their license may be revoked If revocation is the required action, the individual does have the opportunity to request a hearing with the MAB However, if the individual does get their license revoked, they can begin the process again and go through the MAB to be once again medically approved The criteria for approval are: Diabetic reaction free for one year Seizure-free for six months Controllable condition These medical guidelines were established by the Department of Public Safety and the MAB, and are used for all individuals in the state For more information: License issuance representative: 512-424-5089 Guidelines for driving: wwwdshsstatetxus/epilepsy/ drivingshtmadvisory
Texas Department of Public Safety, revised
10/06
Source:diabeteshealth.com
