Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
Decision Considerations
Disease Protocols
Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Syndrome - Diet Controlled
A blood glucose determination is not a routine part of the FAA medical evaluation for any class of medical certificate. However, the examination does include a routine urine test. A medical history or clinical diagnosis of either diabetes mellitus or metabolic syndrome may be considered previously established when the diagnosis has been or clearly could be made because of supporting laboratory findings and/or clinical signs and symptoms. When an applicant with a history of either diabetes or metabolic syndrome is examined for the first time, the Examiner should explain the procedures involved and assist in obtaining prior records and current special testing. Applicants with a diagnosis of either diabetes mellitus or metabolic syndrome controlled by diet alone are considered eligible for all classes of medical certificates under the medical standards, provided they have no evidence of associated disqualifying cardiovascular, neurological, renal, or ophthalmological disease. Specialized examinations need not be performed unless indicated by history or clinical findings. The Examiner must document these determinations on FAA Form 8500-8.