Diabetes mellitus in aircrew--type I diabetes in a pilot.
Diabetes mellitus had traditionally been considered disqualifying for flying duties. Increasingly, our understanding of both Type I and Type II diabetes permits identification of subgroups of diabetics with an acceptable aeromedical risk. A case is presented of a Canadian Forces pilot with Type I diabetes who continues on restricted flying duties. The pathophysiology of Type I and Type II diabetes is discussed, as well as aeromedical considerations for returning a diabetic to flying status. Within an envelope of defined geographic and operational flying limitations, diabetic aircrew may be safely and usefully returned to restricted flying duties.
Gray
G W
GW
Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine, Toronto, Canada.
Dupré
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel