Diabetes Mellitus - Medication Controlled
FAA requirements when pilot does not requires Insulin
This protocol is used for all diabetic applicants treated with oral agents or incretin mimetic medications (exenatide), herein referred to as medication(s).
An applicant with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus controlled by use of a medication may be considered by the FAA for an Authorization of a Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate (Authorization). Following initiation of medication treatment, a 60-day period must elapse prior to certification to assure stabilization, adequate control, and the absence of side effects or complications from the medication.
The initial Authorization decision is made by the AMCD and may not be made by the AME. An AME may re-issue a subsequent airman medical certificate under the provisions of the Authorization.
The initial Authorization determination will be made on the basis of a report from the treating physician. For favorable consideration, the report must contain a statement regarding the medication used, dosage, the absence or presence of side effects and clinically significant hypoglycemic episodes, and an indication of satisfactory control of the diabetes. The results of an A1C hemoglobin determination within the past 30 days must be included. Note must also be made of the presence of cardiovascular, neurological, renal, and/or ophthalmological disease. The presence of one or more of these associated diseases will not be, per se, disqualifying but the
disease(s) must be carefully evaluated to determine any added risk to aviation safety.
Re-issuance of a medical certificate under the provisions of an Authorization will also be made on the basis of reports from the treating physician. The contents of the report must contain the same information required for initial issuance and specifically reference the presence or absence of satisfactory control, any change in the dosage or type of medication, and the presence or absence of complications or side effects from the medication. In the event of an adverse change in the applicant's diabetic status (poor control or complications or side effects from the medication), or the appearance of an associated systemic disease, an AME must defer the case with all documentation to the AMCD for consideration.
If, upon further review of the deferred case, AMCD decides that re-issuance is appropriate, the AME may again be given the authority to re-issue the medical certificate under the provisions of the Authorization based on data provided by the treating physician, including such information as may be required to assess the status of associated medical condition(s).
At a minimum, followup evaluation by the treating physician of the applicant's diabetes status is required annually for all classes of medical certificates.
An applicant with diabetes mellitus - Type II should be counseled by his or her AME regarding the significance of the disease and its possible complications.
The applicant should be informed of the potential for hypoglycemic reactions and cautioned to remain under close medical surveillance by his or her treating physician.
The applicant should also be advised that should their medication be changed or the dosage modified, the applicant should not perform airman duties until the applicant and treating physician has concluded that the condition is:
- under control;
- stable;
- presents no risk to aviation safety; and
- consults with the AME who issued the certificate, AMCD or RFS.
An applicant who
uses insulin for the treatment of his or her diabetes may only be considered for an Authorization for a third-class airman medical certificate.
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