Military and Diabetes

Unfortunately, there are some jobs that it is just not safe to do as a diabetic. Not just for you, but also for those around you. My brother used to drive a big rig. His diabetes was a huge issue with that. Not so much because of the schedule, but if he would have had a sudden low while driving, he would have become a danger to so many innocent people on the road.

The same for the military. When you have to march for miles, be at your best and always be alert, diabetes can be an issue. As we all know, lows can hit without warning and then you become the one who needs help instead of being there for your unit. It is a risk that soldiers cannot take.

I don't know if there are places that you can be that are administrative that you don't have to go through boot camp to get there.

One problem a diabetic would have with the military, you do not always get to eat when you should, plus if in a combat situation and need to eat something, you can't stop to eat. That could put your life at risk because of low blood sugars let alone everybody that would be with you trying to help you.

in highschool i was recruited to join the army as an army nurse. i was so excited because they were going to pay for all of my schooling and i really looked up to the military. well… as soon as my physical came around and they found out i had type 1 diabetes… that was the end of that. i tried to fight it- i was saying "well- i will be a nurse! im not going to be on of the soldiers!!" they said anyone associated with the military had to have certain standards of health… and diabetes was not within the "standard"… my little brother has since joined the army and is an airborne army ranger… i live through him… haha… unfortunately, your child with diabetes might have to live his military dream through the other son who is in the army. i know it sucks… sorry :(

I know it doesn't seem fair, but if you are on insulin or taking oral diabetic medications, you cannot join the military. I work for the military as a civilian and have type 1 diabetes too. The military won't let diabetics join because they can't have a diabetic with hypoglycemia using firearms, or being in a dangerous situation. I have done some pretty goofy things when I was hypoglycemic, so kind of understand where the military is coming from. It's great he wants to join, but unfortunately, us diabetics cannot have any job we want. We cannot be police officers or fly airplanes either, among a lot of other jobs which would put us or anybody else at risk. Hope you understand.

Angie,
I'm not sure what state that you live in but you can have diabetes and still be a police officer in the state of Texas.

But not on S.W.A.T team

Wrong I am a current police officer on a S.W.A.T team it is possible. Also know people with type II diabetes who have joined military by proving their diabetes was under control through diet and exercise.

Since at least 2003, if not longer… a Diabetic (even one using Insulin) CAN get an FAA Class 3 Medical Certificate AND become an aircraft PILOT…

Problem is, with the restrictions placed on Diabetics using Insulin, you're limited to ONLY being able to pilot a private aircraft, with NO way to legally make any income from flying.

If you use Insulin, the FAA won't let you become a Flight Instructor, Airline Pilot, or many other flying occupations.

However, in the USA, there is at least ONE Insulin Dependent Diabetic who s an air show aerobatic demo pilot, (He is shown flying his plane on a YouTube Video) and I think you could MAYBE also find an income providing flying job such as towing advertising banners or flying for arial photography… But I'm not sure on that.

If site handles links correctly, here's a link for the video of the Type 1 Diabetic Pilot… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ78GLWP8P0

Thank you for the information..It is a shame, but I do understand..

Actually, even in the USA… There is AT LEAST ONE Type 1 Diabetic PILOT performing in public AIRSHOWS!!! Performing aerobatic maneuvers that, at present, are considered to be the "Most Dangerous" aerobatic performances for ALL PILOTS… ESPECIALLY those with Diabetes…

IF my finances would allow, I'd LOVE to become a FAA licensed Pilot WITH Diabetes… And based on how much I've always LOVED roller-coasters, and unusual attitudes of my body… IF allowed the chance, I'm sure I could fly virtually ANY currently available aircraft…

When my brother rented a Robinson R-22 Helicopter in MN… The contract he signed stated he'd not allow anybody other than HIM to touch ANY controls unless ALL MOVING PARTS had STOPPED MOVING!!!

The person who checked him out told him "This is purely company policy… You are rated as a Helicopter Instructor… Whatever you do away from the public airport is up to you!!!"

When he took us for rides… I was the ONLY ONE with Diabetes that he took for a ride… I was ALSO the ONLY ONE he took for several rides, and was able to hold the rented helicopter in a "Rock Solid HOVER" to point where my brother commented that I had acquired the feel for hovering a helicopter SOLIDLY… MORE CONFIDENTLY than ANY Military student he had instructed could do within 6 WEEKS of DUAL INSTRUCTION!!!

I had fewer than 5 MINUTES Instruction, and was able to hold the Robinson R-22 Helicopter in a SOLID HOVER, transition into Forward flight, and return to SOLID HOVER with literally less than TWO MINUTES of flight instruction!!! ALL (100% of my relatives), were COMPLETELY UNABLE to hold the rented helicopter in ANYTHING resembling a "SOLID HOVER" condition…

Diabetes, at least in MY situation, presents NO LIMITS!!!

It is the Federal and Local Government regulations that place the IRRATIONAL LIMITS upon what I can do in my life!!!

I am a diabetic police officer and know many others. I also am a former Federal Law Enforcment Officer with the U.S. Dept. of Justice all with diabetes.

I am sorry to tell you but he cannot join any military branches w/ diabetes. Try to get him interested in doing something for a charitable organization here in the US. Like Big Brothers. He might even be able to ask to be assigned to a boy with diabetes. They would have lots to talk about. He would still be helping someone.
Turtle

Your back! Glad to see you! How are you doing?

No they will not let him in if they know he has it

Even if he has a pump?

not even with a pump unfortunly the look at the ability to go where there is very limited medical services only a military deplorable hospital with limited services. Plus the fact if something goes wrong with the pump and he has blood sugar problems he could be putting his fellow soldiers at risk

I'm 13, I wanted too be a Marine. I am in the Cival Air Patrol, A great place too be! One thing that I may suggest, That I might consider now, I understand MOST soilder's would say that they are soilders for hire. A PSC, Or rather known as a Private Security Contractor… They go over - sease. Most depends on the type of job you want. If he's like me, Where you HATE desk jobs, This would be the closest thing, Too combat expirience for a diabetic. I've called EVERY last branch recruiter, And NONE will allow diabetics. For one thing that I have a question for, Is why will the USCG not allow diabetics, From what I understand they do not go over sease? Not sure. But all us diabetics can do, Is pray that one day a cure is on the way…There is like 5 treatments for one, And a lady I do not know her personal, Just from hearing it from a diabetic camp in my state…' Has had, The stem cell done too her, Being diabetic for 46 years! And it worked fine, And know today she is diabetic/insulin free! She is 54. I'm going too keep my hopes up, Until the time comes when I'm out of Hs, And if not maybe just a little later. Best wishes too you, And your son! :) If he wants too email me at Modanonum9@mchsi.com!

Type II can get waivers.