Lower Your Risk of Diabetes While on the Road

Post Date - Nov 18, 2024

Did you know that over-the-road (OTR) truck drivers are twice as likely to develop diabetes compared to the general population? Long hours, limited healthy food options, and irregular sleep can all add up to higher risks for drivers behind the wheel. But there's good news: small changes in daily habits can make a big difference in lowering that risk. Orange & Black Has Your Back, bringing you practical tips to help you stay healthy on the road and keep your diabetes risk in check.

1.      Pick grilled over fried- healthier foods can be difficult to introduce while you’re on the road, so start by choosing grilled foods over fried foods. Read more of Roadrunner’s healthy, rest-stop-friendly recipes if you’re ready to start food prepping.

2.      Work in workouts- Whether it’s on your breaks, downtime, or time off, try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise. You can utilize rest stops while you’re on the road to walk around or stretch, look into gyms near your home or your main terminal so it’s easier to work out, check out your insurance to see if you have discounts for health programs, or set up health challenges with friends to make it fun!

3.      Stick to a sleep schedule- It's difficult to get consistent rest when your business relies on you running, but you can work to schedule your rest to regulate your internal clock. One of the easiest ways to get more rest is to drive as a team. With two drivers, you can work together to schedule your sleep. Learn about forming a team with Roadrunner. Plan your lanes and routes to allow yourself for a sufficient amount of sleep to keep you healthy and alert.

Your health is what matters most, so make it a priority! Roadrunner has linehaul coordinators and planners to assist you with scheduling routes that work best for you. Submit your application to speak with a recruiter about lanes available to you. Run Smart. Run with Roadrunner.