At present insulin-dependent diabetic airmen will be disqualified. There are however controversies about licensing non insulin-dependent (type II) diabetics, especially if oral hypoglycemic drugs are prescribed. As the incidence of diabetes (type II) increases with age, an increasing number of experienced pilots will present the disease. Licensing authorities have to decide wether or not to disqualify applicants or experienced pilots presenting with non insulin-independent diabetes depending on international or national regulatins. In case of qualification certain conditions should be fulfilled e.g. regular follow-up with control of plasma glucose levels, screening for long term complications, monitoring effects of oral hypoglycemic drugs. The risks and regulations are discussed in this article.
Abstract