Aviat Space Envir Md
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Sep 2005
Case ReportsDiabetes mellitus type 1 in five military aviators: flying with insulin.
Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM) type 1 results in medical disqualification for all military aviation duties all over the world. The main concern is hypoglycemia, which can cause sudden incapacitation. Efforts to reduce the glucose levels and long-term complications increase the frequency of hypoglycemia. ⋯ Our experience indicates that safely flying with newly diagnosed DM type 1 is possible. The cost of the demanding lifestyle of military aircrew members and the fear of hypoglycemic episodes can result in periods of sub-optimal glucose control.