GCAA and Diabetese
The GCAA of UAE has a fairly practical approach. If you are diagnosed as Diabetic type II.,then you can expect to be grounded pending a process to see you response to to diet and exercise and loss of weight and if required oral medication .The grounding is to allow you to organize your life style that will include dietary ,nutritional changes as well as include some form of exercise that will serve to reduce your weight and provide done aerobic value. Depending on the severity of your condition you may be prescribed some form of a Metmorphine of a combination of such as Janumet (Januvia+Metamorphin). These drugs are very popular for Pilots and are tolerated well. The grounding or ground trial is to see how the Pilot responds favorably to the diet ,exercise and if required the medication
In order to maintain your medical you need to have you blood tested regularly ( personal blood sugar checking device ) and the formal testing ( 3 months ) to show that you are controlling Ac1 below 7. The UAE GCAA is somewhat strict , as I understand the FAA and the Ozzie medicals allow for a higher Ac1 . If you can maintain your AC1 below 7 without the need for medication and just control by Diet and Exercise, then you shouldn't have an issue with a limitation on your License. However if you test greater than 7.2 on two of quarterly test results then you will invoke a protocol for medication and visits with you Doctor , yearly ETT , eye and foot check ups .
Dont get too worked up (stressed,) as stress is one of the contributors to Diabetes. You will need to modify your life style and include regular exercise , diet ( see a dietician ) and monitoring your blood sugar and see how its respond to the different food groups ( include Foods with low GLYCEMIC INDEX) Do away with smoking and reduce Alcohol as much a possible
To summarize. Diabetes management is as simple as ABC
A MONITOR YOUR AC1
B monitor you Blood pressure
C monitor your cholesterol
All the above can done when you do your regular 3 monthly blood test results
While on a personal level you can choose to include a healthy diet ( discuss with dietician ). Visit to the Doc for blood pressure and review of your parameters
For Cholesterol.
If you put you mind to set , read up on the latest on the web , you should be able to manage your Diabetes way past retirement, without worries about losing your Licence
Good luck
BM