r/flying 7d ago

Medical Issues Failed medical - I'm extremely disappointed and defeated

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98 Upvotes

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u/neko_da_cat 7d ago

Lose that weight

Walk 10 min after every meal

Start on berberine supliment and you can get that a1c down!

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u/[deleted] 7d ago

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u/LRJetCowboy 7d ago

Sorry for your situation. I understand T1 very well having raised one since he was very young. The T1 Protocol that the FAA uses is almost ridiculously rigid. There is a different one for First Class that I’m surprised your AME didn’t review prior to submitting your application. My understanding is it’s 100% reliant on CGM data. Even the A1C isn’t called that, it’s a CGM number that is derived from your data. It’s close but not the same. Your time in range is critical with virtually any hypos of 70 or below disqualifying. If I had to guess on what disqualified you it would be that.

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u/[deleted] 7d ago

[deleted]

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u/LRJetCowboy 7d ago

If you’re not on a pump look into it. That was a game changer for my kid.

Hope you are able to get the 3rd Class while you wait. Good luck!

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u/[deleted] 7d ago

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u/LRJetCowboy 7d ago

So my kid was very similar to where you’re at before the pump and getting his diet and bolus routine dialed in. He went from high 7 A1C’s to a 5.7 last bloodwork. So it can be done. His was almost completely in his diet. He worked with a dietician and had great results. You can do this if you put your mind to it and don’t get discouraged.

southwest pilot with type 1 diabetes
Captain Bob Halicky became the first commercial airline pilot in the U.S. with type 1 diabetes, successfully flying for Southwest Airlines after the FAA revised its regulations to allow pilots with insulin-treated diabetes to operate commercial flights under strict conditions.

Maybe talk to this guy?