For short and medium haul flights (under 6 hours), 96% of 7,829 blood glucose monitoring readings were within the ‘green’ range. The average pre-licence issue HbA1c was 53.1mmol/mol the average of the most recent HbA1c was 54.8mmol/mol, thus showing no significant change.Ī total of 8,897 blood glucose monitoring values had been recorded during 4,900 flight hours. Average follow up duration post-licence issue was 19.5 months. The majority (85%) had type 1 diabetes, with an average diabetes duration of 8 years. All were male, with an average age of 41 years. The researchers found that at the analysis date, 26 insulin-treated pilots had been issued with Class 1 medical certificates. Pre and in-flight blood glucose monitoring values were correlated against the CAA-specified “Green” (5-15mmol/l), “Amber” (4-5 and 15-20mmol/l), and “Red” (20mmol/l) ranges. Average pre- and post-licence HbA1c values were compared. This included: age date of issue of Class 1 Medical Certificate diabetes type and duration diabetes management regimen comorbidities diabetes complication monitoring all available HbA1c values (a measure of blood sugar control) pre- and post-licence issue and all flights undertaken with associated blood glucose monitoring values. With the pilots’ consent, the files for all insulin-treated, Class 1-certificated pilots were reviewed and data were collected. This study aimed to evaluate the early experience and safety of the UK programme. Certificated pilots are subject to strict requirements, directly overseen by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) medical departments, including pre- and in-flight blood glucose monitoring. Ireland joined the UK in April 2015 in applying an agreed Medical Assessment Protocol under the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulation. The UK now has the largest cohort of insulin-treated pilots, and is leading the way in Europe and beyond to create and maintain employment and leisure opportunities for people with insulin-treated diabetes.Ī comprehensive protocol, developed by a panel of medical and aviation experts, governs the medical certification of insulin-treated pilots. In 2012, the UK became the second country worldwide, after Canada, to issue insulin-treated individuals with Class 1 Medical Certificates for Commercial Pilot Licences (CPLs). The study is by medical staff at Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, Surrey, UK and the UK Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport, UK. A study presented at this year’s European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) meeting in Munich, Germany (12-16 September), shows that UK commercial airline pilots with insulin-treated diabetes can fly safely, with almost all of their blood sugar readings at safe levels.
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