Diabetes and Insulin

[TechFlyer]

I was just reading the thread about diabetes and it says that you can still be issued a first class medical if your diabetes is controlled by diet and exercise alone (no insulin). I've known quite a few people with diabetes and all of them were required to be on insulin. I've never met or heard of a diabetic who was not insulin dependant. Are there many out there? For those who are NOT dependant upon insulin, what makes them that way? Luck of the draw or many years of a healthy lifestyle?

My grandpa has type 2 diabetes, his grandpa had diabetes and I believe HIS grandpa had diabetes also. My dad shows no signs of diabetes. Is this some kind of generational curse in which I'm next in line??? Im 21 right now and I know that I need to eat right and exercise to avoid it. But if it's in the family, is this something I can legitimately avoid? And if I were to get diabetes, what can I do to make sure that I don't need insulin?

Thanks!

[My Flight Surgeon]

Most diabetics do not require insulin.

As far as an FAA medical, you can get ALL classses of certificate on oral medications. The FAA just wants documentation that you are well controlled and have no adverse effects from the medications and no damage from the diabetes. See the link here http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/.../diabetes_med/

Third Class medicals can be issued to those on insulin but the rules are really tight and there are a whole bunch of hoops you have to jump through when you fly. This is the link for insulin controlled diabetes: http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...betes_insulin/

It sounds liek your family has type 2 diabetes which tends to be inherited. The tnihgs you can do are exercise, keep your weight down to lean body mass, eat a well balkanced diet low in fat and carbohydrates. If you notice, most type 2 diabetics are middle aged, overweight, don't exercise and eat poorly.

[TechFlyer]

Very good to know. Thanks a lot.