Diabetes mellitus is a disease with a wide spectrum of severity
and many potential complications if inadequately treated.
Historically, diabetic pilots have been permanently disqualified
from flying duties. This policy was based on the increased risk of
sudden incapacitation in-flight due to hypoglycaemia and
cardiovascular disease in diabetics. In recent decades, a shift in
worldwide aeromedical policy has occurred. This has resulted in
diabetic pilots in several countries, including the United States
and Australia, being granted limited flying certification. These
pilots are required to satisfy a number of stringent medical
criteria to achieve this certification. Aeromedical policy must be
based on an appropriate risk management strategy, taking into
account all relevant issues. Australian guidelines for the
certification of diabetic pilots are designed to limit
certification to all but the most well-controlled, motivated, and
well supervised diabetic with no disease-related complications.