Author Topic: The Military and Diabetics (Read 662 times)

United · « **on:** September 06, 2004, 01:46:45 AM »

Today I had a talk with an Air Force recruiter. We discussed several things, and I began hinting that I would be interested in signing up.

We talked a little more and I found out that I was eligible to join. I met all of the physical requirements (except one...), all of my test scores were above minimum, and I was willing to serve. I then mentioned that I was Diabetic and the whole conversation changed.

I was immediately told that I could not join and was not given a reason as to why the military does not accept Diabetics.

So heres my question:

What can a non-Diabetic do that a Diabetic can't? and Why are Diabetics denied the chance to serve their country?

JB73 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 06, 2004, 01:53:04 AM »

what if in combat you lost the ability to get insulin?

mostly that stuff needs to be refrigerated, and in the heat of battle, can it be redily available, or can't be administered at a regular interval WITH food.

if not, there is an inoperable soilder, who needs immediate medical attention, and can detriment the current mission.

thats off the top of my head, and i have no medical experiance, not military experiance, but have 2 relatives diabetic.

if they can't do their insulin, AND eat at regual intervals, then the can go into diabetic shock, and possibly seisures.

<~~> sir for being willing to help your country, ther is just some things that can not be helped. i hope you can find another way that appeases you, and fits yuor goals.~~

United · « **Reply #2 on:** September 06, 2004, 01:59:37 AM »

My doctor has said that I can keep my insulin unrefridgerated for about a month at a time.

I am on the insulin pump, so I only need to access my insulin once every three days. When I do need to refil, it takes me at most 30 seconds to do.

Yes, food may be an issue. But, since I am on the pump, I can eat any time I want. I do eat on a regular schedule, but i have been told by a doctor that I can miss almost a day's worth of food without worry.

I can easily carry 2-3 weeks of Diabetic supplies in a case no larger than a cargo-pant pocket. So space on a uniform for supplies would be almost no sweat.

Quote

<~~> sir for being willing to help your country, ther is just some things that can not be helped. i hope you can find another way that appeases you, and fits yuor goals.~~

~~Thank you. I did ask about a non-combat job, like a desk job or even a telephone operator for a recruiting office, but was even denied that. So, I guess my future doesnt lie in military service...~~

JB73 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 06, 2004, 02:08:59 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by United
Thank you. I did ask about a non-combat job, like a desk job or even a telephone operator for a recruiting office, but was even denied that. So, I guess my future doesnt lie in military service...

the only thing i can say is i "assume" anyone active in the service can be called on at any time in a emergency, and that could be dropping into an enemy territory for an unditermined time, with udetermined supplies.

personally i am sorry dude, but knowing even the "possibility" of the guy next to me going into a diabetic seizure, and not being to defend me sacres me.

s***y break and i am sorry dude. i had steroid induced diabetes for about a year from prednisone. it sucked, and i still have what i guess is a "mild" form. i dont see docters about it because frankly im scared, and would rather die than stick myself with a needle every day.

United · « **Reply #4 on:** September 06, 2004, 02:15:57 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by JB73
the only thing i can say is i "assume" anyone active in the service can be called on at any time in a emergency, and that could be dropping into an enemy territory for an unditermined time, with udetermined supplies.

I guess there always is the possibility, but what is the probability? Im sure there are hundreds, maybe thousands of other Diabetics willing to serve as well. I don't see where the military would want to deny this extra force of volunteers. But then again, I dont know much about the military and how it works, either.

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s***y break and i am sorry dude. i had steroid induced diabetes for about a year from prednisone. it sucked, and i still have what i guess is a "mild" form. i dont see docters about it because frankly im scared, and would rather die than stick myself with a needle every day.

I dont know if you still have it or not, but I'd definately see a doctor. I too have a fear of needles, but it's easy to get over it when your life hangs in the line. Trust me, you dont want to die of something that can easily be fixed.

Suave · « **Reply #5 on:** September 06, 2004, 02:40:37 AM »

I knew active duty soldiers that were diabetics and gave themselves insulin injections. Maybe they weren't diabetics when they joined? Dunno.

United · « **Reply #6 on:** September 06, 2004, 02:42:23 AM »

How long ago was it when you knew these people? I believe this rule is a fairly new one..?

Suave · « **Reply #7 on:** September 06, 2004, 02:49:36 AM »

It was in the 90s, and I don't remember if it was type I DM or not.

rod367th · « **Reply #8 on:** September 06, 2004, 02:52:58 AM »

Contact your local Congressman, It is hisor her Job to defend your rights and get you answers, He will represet you and no cost to you. And Get you in touch with those who can answer your questions.

Be polite and to the point.

B17Skull12 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 06, 2004, 03:19:45 AM »

United it probably has more to do with the branch you talked with.
Air force flying. high G's with diabetic means i think that in the heat of combat you might need insulan right?

im not familiar with diabetics so i wouldn't know for sure, but i am willing to bet it is under that reason or something like it.

United · « **Reply #10 on:** September 06, 2004, 03:54:11 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by B17Skull12
United it probably has more to do with the branch you talked with.
Air force flying. high G's with diabetic means i think that in the heat of combat you might need insulan right?

im not familiar with diabetics so i wouldn't know for sure, but i am willing to bet it is under that reason or something like it.

Im on an insulin pump, so I am constantly receiving insulin. If I were flying a plane, it would still pump just like a human pancreas.

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 06, 2004, 06:27:55 AM »

United, we aren't talking about how great of a soldier you are. We're talking about what happens when the **** hits the fan. Expect the unexpected. And yes, if you do run out of insulin, all those around you are in trouble.

Now, we aren't saying you will run out of insulin. Nor are we saying you have run out of insulin before. We are saying "If" you run out of insulin.

rpm · « **Reply #12 on:** September 06, 2004, 06:42:04 AM »

What United isn't understanding is it's not all about him. It's about the other men and women who's backs are not covered and are endangered when he goes down because of a pre-existing medical condition in the heat of battle. No amount of good intentions can prevent this.

You should go back and debate this with the recruiter, it will impress him and you will be flying in no time.

101ABN · « **Reply #13 on:** September 06, 2004, 08:10:14 AM »

yes, take the fight back to the recruiter. i feel (IMO) that there are plenty of jobs that you can do that will not put you into hazardous situations. for example "aircraft maintenance". my brother was told that he could never fly because he had to wear glasses. even with the new heads up display that doesnt require good sight he was rejected. so he decided since he couldnt fly them why not fix them. he went on to be one of the top F16 crew chiefs. the worst assignment that he ever faced was going to Osan AFB Korea. He lived GOOD there (better than i did up north). good luck in your mission.

anonymous · « **Reply #14 on:** September 06, 2004, 10:14:56 AM »

united never trust one single recruiter. some are good some are bad. insulin pump might not be approved for new recruit but they might not want to chuck a fifteen years in service great nco over one. i did some time helping recruiter and you can bet recruiters were asked things they didnt know about. they arent doctors. good ones went looking for answer if they thought potential recruit was worth the effort. call some other recruiters. if you want to be pilot call officer recruiters. ask them about insulin pump and ask them for contact who is meps doctor or flight surgeon maybe thats where you will get best answer. they might not like insulin pump because what if you are forward deployed and it fails? rpm371 has point in military they need to worry about possible effect on who you working with.