Diabetes?

[Pan1900]

Diabetes run in my family, & I'm showing some signs that concern me. I have a Doctor appointment in two weeks. Just wondering if anyone know's the FAA policy on keeping a first class medical if you let's say have type 2 diabetes?

 

[satpak77]

I think it is a denial until your prove you are healthy otherwise. Google search it.

The blood tests for diabetes you can take NOW are Fasting blood glucose and "A1C" (HbA1C) which is a more in-depth diabetes blood check. Your fasting glucose should not exceed I think 100 (below 90 is ideal) and A1C depending on what diabetes book/website/etc you are reading should be below 6% with below 5% preferred.

Before you "disclose" that you officially have it, go to the family doc and get him to request a blood test from one of the providers, Quest Diagnostics, etc. If it is borderline, lay off the snickers bars, beer, cokes, and white carbs and start eating fruits, veggies, white meat, and start walking/jogging. Drink lots of water. Take a multi-vitamin every day as it is pretty cheap insurance against a handful of health issues.

Re-check it in 90 days and re-visit the "official" disclosure. On the week of Test #2 (the "re-verify Test-1 test"), eat salads and drink lots of water, and nothing else.

Even then, if your second test is high, you are not a medical doctor and should not state that you "have" diabetes without a specialist (Endocrinologist) examining you. Only he can diagnose you. Family Doctor Jones who checks kids for Strep Throat and examines the neighbor's bee sting is not the guy to roll the dice on for the official diagnosis.

I am not a doctor but a buddy had this happen and that is what he did (per his non-AME doctor's advice I might add)....

His second blood test was fine. Sometimes changes in diet, lifestyle are all that is needed. (And sometimes not, true)

 

[Pan1900]

Thanks Satpak,
For the helpful information. I have to wait two weeks before I see my Doc, but in the meantime I will continue doing what I've been doing exercising, & dieting. Thanks!

 

[jak378]

Diabetes run in my family, & I'm showing some signs that concern me. I have a Doctor appointment in two weeks. Just wondering if anyone know's the FAA policy on keeping a first class medical if you let's say have type 2 diabetes?

I just finished the Class2 medical process with type 2 diabetes and some other health problems. The first thing to keep in mind is that it is a lengthy process. I applied and had the initial physical in early March, and finally received the waiver and medical just last week, about 4 months. Along with the first medical certificate you will receive a letter of authorization for future medicals. Mine is for 6 years. There is a spec sheet with parameters for each disqualifying condition. I am looking at the spec sheet for type 2 diabetes and it states that the AME must defer to Ok City or a regional AME if A1C is above 9 percent or if several other conditions occur, such as a change in medication or evidence of kidney problems and several others that are way too numerous to include. The most important thing with any disqualifying condition seems to be a statement from the treating physician as to your suitability. My A1C was 6.3%, and my glucose level, taken every morning only, was averaging about 125 mg/dl. That apparently was not a problem. It is important to find an AME who knows the procedures. I am pretty sure that the qualifications for 1st and 2nd class are pretty much the same.

Hope this helps.

 

[Pan1900]

Jak 378,

Thanks alot!
Very encouraging! I thought it was always a career ender. Good Luck!
Pan1900