Medical risk factors of diabetes mellitus among professional drivers

BACKGROUND: Road transport drivers are one of the professional groups whose activities have a strong impact of public safety. In view of the natural professional activity, the drivers are at a higher risk of obesity, hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and carbohydrate metabolism disorders such as diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical documentation was the source of data for the reported study. It derived from medical examinations of 1903 drivers applying for driving license. RESULTS: Hyperglycemia was found in 52.1% of the drivers, 9.1% of them were in diabetic stage, and with HbA(1)C criteria 77.6% of these drivers were in this stage. Excessive body weight was recorded in 65.6% of the study population, 44.8% were diagnosed with overweight and 20.8% with obesity. High blood pressure was recorded in 16.4% of drivers. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of excessive body weight and high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia are risk factors for diabetes mellitus in professional drivers that indicates a need to undertake multidimensional actions target on this particular profession and involving various health care sectors. Prophylactic and detailed pre-placement examinations should be considered, depending on the rate and the intensity of disorders. These should be coupled with an introduction of primary and secondary prophylactic activities and monitoring of relevant treatment.