Type II diabetes does not have to be the end of a non-commercial pilot's flying career. It is however a royal pain in the ass to deal with, and I speak from experience. There's no sense in arguing with the FAA about how type II diabetes is a non-issue for recreational pilots, they don't listen to arguments, they follow their regulations. Rather than beat your head against a wall that you will no move, I suggest you read the rules carefully. You too can play by the rules and keep your medical active; I've been doing it for more than 10 years.
First, you need to show 60 days of control, at which time the FAA will issue a written waiver (and a medical) and as long as the waiver is good, your local AMA can issue you future medicals. You'll need to find a doctor to treat your diabetes and an ophthalmologist to examine your eyes and both must certify that you're in good health according to the waiver.
If you are smart though, this will just be the start for you. I wasn't smart but I'm getting smarter and my life with the FAA should get easier. Getting smart means curing your diabetes. Considering my past dealings with the FAA, I doubt that they are going to believe in a cure, but they do believe that you can control diabetes without medicines using a combination of diet and exercise.
I don't know if I can cure my diabetes yet but in a few months (or sooner) I should know. I do know this, I've figured out how to control my blood sugar using diet and exercise with less and less medicine. I've found credible evidence the damage is reversible (but not proof) and I have data on my body's response to dietary changes that shows a reversal. The question that remains is how far can I push the reversal? I see four possibilities: fewer oral medicines, no medicines, no medicines and only an impaired glucose tolerance, and cured - meaning I can pass a oral glucose tolerance test.
More on the diet (and exercise) in future blogs.
Dear diabetic pilot;
ReplyDeleteThe government (FAA) will probably tell you that your title is an oxymoron.
You must also find a Physician that understands diet controlled Type II and that can be quite a hunt. My Bariatric surgeon reports that patients with Type II that undergo RNY Bypass have an 85% success rate of stopping all diabetic meds and maintaining the BS below 120. It is absolutely reversible. I meet several every month in my weight loss support group. I am living proof that diet AND exercise will reverse Type II. Time for my 2nd walk.