>On 9 Jan 1996, Ken Cochrane wrote:

>> … Can diabetics get an aviators medical certificate for private pilot
>> rating?  Thanks

>If you’re taking insulin, forget it. If you’re controlling with diet &
>exercise, yes. If you’re taking oral meds, maybe.
>—

I wouldn’t be so categorical and say "forget it".

After all, the FAA is actively considering letting IDDM’s fly under
specially monitored conditioned.

Please see AOPA on CompuServe for details.

Shyam Jha

PP ASEL IA

> … Can diabetics get an aviators medical certificate for private pilot
> rating?  Thanks

If you’re taking insulin, forget it. If you’re controlling with diet &
exercise, yes. If you’re taking oral meds, maybe.
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> Recently diagnosed with type II on oral meds.  Can diabetics still scuba
> dive?  Can diabetics get an aviators medical certificate for private pilot
> rating?  Thanks
> —
> Ken Cochrane

I’m type I (which I think is generally treated as more severe by the folks
making these regulations) and I was able to get SCUBA certified here in
LA county (CA) without any problem about 7 years ago, although I think I
had to write an explanation of my condition for someone’s files.  When
you go, a handy sugar source is 2 or 3 peeled oranges, separated and in a
netted bag.  They’re pretty tasty btwn breaths, though a little salty.
                                        Sincerely,  Bryan

As to pilot restrictions, that is a very sore point with me, as
I have been fighting the FAA medical branch for almost 5 years.

To qualify you must submit the following:

Fasting and 2 hour post parandial blood sugars, showing 120 or
less on fasting, 160 or less PP and an A1c of 8 or less.  These
have to be done, on a monthly basis for at least 3 months.  You
must have a stress test and EKG, within normal limits and done
to maximal stress levels.  You must have a letter from your
endocrinologist attesting to your medications and that they
will not prohibit your safe operation of an aircraft.  All of
this then gets submitted to a medical examiner, who will call
Oklahoma City while you are there and obtain authorization to
issue the 3rd class medical.  Approximately a month later you
will receive a letter from the FAA, telling you the medical
certicate is revoked, and enclosing a replacment for a period
of 6 months.  During that period, you must submit at least 3
additional blood tests, in accordance with the above numbers.  
They will then issue an extension.  They can continue to
restrict your certificate and continue to require testing and
retesting and retesting for so long as they like.

If you change your medication, or dosage, you must immediately
notify the FAA and until you receive clearance cannot fly as
pilot in command without a properly rated safety pilot aboard.

If you begin taking insulin, kiss it goodbye.  There is no
means by which an IDDM can obtain a medical certificate in the
United States.  Additionally, you cannot obtain a class II or
class I certificate with oral medications.

Any other questions?  Oh, yeah, I finally gave up after 12
monthly blood tests when my endo changed my medications.  I
miss it more than anything I have ever done, but I just don’t
have the energy to continue the fight…

The FAA is currently reviewing the current ban on IDDM pilots, and is
expected to apply the same standards as the one for NIDDM to issue a
special certificate.

Pain in the butt, yes, but if you love flying, it is worth the fight.

Shyam Jha

PP ASEL IA

> Recently diagnosed with type II on oral meds.  Can diabetics still scuba
> dive?  Can diabetics get an aviators medical certificate for private pilot
> rating?  Thanks

Don’t know about the pilots rating. Cannot see why not. In the UK, diabetes
(I or II) does *NOT* automatically disqualify divers from B.S.A.C. At least,
not the last time that I did a diver’s medical, but that’s over a year ago.

Good luck!
—
Nick Hacking