Type 2 Diabetes and a Class 1 Med - Experiences ?

[OzFlyGuy]

Hi all,

I've recently been diagnosed as being a Type 2 diabetic and have an Instructor Rating. Consequently I'm about to embark on a battery of tests to see what CASA will do to renew my medical certificate - if anything!

I'm interested in hearing from people who have had this experience, what they had to do, what they achieved, what CASA was prepared to do, etc. I am aware of a successful challenge by a Type 1 diabetic to retain their Class 1 certificate despite the regulations - so things are possible - though at what cost.

Thanks, Ian.

[pcx]

Have a look at the Designated Aviation Examiners Handbook particularly the Endocrinology section.
They are not out to remove your medical unless it is really necessary.
My experience with CASA medicine branch has been excellent.

[solowflyer]

I know one bloke who has it not sure if type one or two. Has not slowed his flying down but know casa keep a close eye on him.

[Joker 10]

I went through this earlier this year, the key to it all seems to be the Endicrinologist convincing CASA you are stable and not likely to have any Hypos. Blood sugar is controlled by means other than insulin ( metformin) or diet and no below 4.0 episodes, you will need 90 days of finger prick blood meter data.

The will also want you to do a "Living with Diabetes" course organidesed by Diabetes Australia and send CASA a certificate to show you attended.

The want specialist letters from both Cardiologist and Eye to show you are normal.

Then if they get all that you need to be prepared to do it all again except the course each renewal, need to start the renewal early CASA suggested to me start a month before renewal date to be sure.

[mattyj]

Exercise and diet man..I know it sucks and I have a magnetic attraction to the fridge as well, but its gods truth..beer has the highest GI other than pure glucose..mashed potatoes are pretty bad too. My old boss struggled with his medicals and this problem for many years and hes almost 70 and still flying single pilot IF.

One thing to remember is there are a million complications you may suffer from and you are gonna be your Doctors next 3 series BMW, so don't rely on him totally..hes going to do well out of you if you have a chronic condition, so he won't tell you that diet and exercise will probably make the problem largely go away...

(if you're fit as a fiddle and do triathalons or something..sorry to you, but statistics say type 2 is most often caused by prolonged bad diet)

[OzFlyGuy]

Thank you pcx, solowflyer, joker10 and mattyj for your replies :D

Prior to the post I had been researching Diabetes and in particular the requirements as prescribed in the DAME's handbook. All of your comments match my interpretation so that's good.

It seems that, though making things difficult, that CASA place the onus back onto the pilot to make changes to their diet, increase exercise, and demonstrate over 3 months or more an ability to monitor and control blood glucose levels.

Of note is that CASA also place a stong emphasis on detection of cardiovascular issues that they say are connected to diabetes. Fortunately for me, with a family history of diabetes, there have been no cardiovascular issues.

I particularly liked mattyj's ..I know it sucks and I have a magnetic attraction to the fridge as well comment :D

Anyways, off I wander down the yellow brick road .......

[Lancelot37]

You've a very good chance of controlling it yourself if you follow a few simple rules. Loose weight, increase exercise and change your diet.

[Nigel Osborn]

If you can get the sugar reading below 7.0 without medication by diet & exercise, you can renew your medical. If you have to take pills such as diabex to get below 7.0, you can fly as a co-pilot. My reading is generally between 7 & 8, so I can't fly any more.
Maybe a bit more exercise & losing weight is needed!

[Frank Arouet]

Read Chris McKeown's website, some topical data for study from his case files. Some other good reading also.

http://www.mckeown.com.au/recent-cases.htm (mhtml:{8F76497F-F4A6-4DD5-93DC-7C0933EEC8C0}mid://00000004/!x-usc:http://www.mckeown.com.au/recent-cases.htm)