1.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) comprises a group of common
metabolic disorders that share the phenotype
of hyperglycemia. Several distinct types of DM exist and are caused by a
complex interaction of genetics,
environmental factors, and life-style choices. DM involves multiple organs is the leading cause of end-stage renal
disease, non-traumatic lower extremity amputations, and adult blindness. With an increasing incidence worldwide, DM will
likely continue to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality for the
foreseeable future
Classification
2.
The two
broad categories of DM are designated type 1 and type 2.
(a)
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Type 1A DM results from
autoimmune beta cell destruction,
which usually leads to insulin deficiency. Type 1B DM is also characterized by insulin deficiency as well as a tendency
to develop ketosis. However, individuals with type 1B DM lack immunologic markers indicative of an autoimmune
destructive process of the beta cells. The mechanisms leading to beta cell destruction in these patients are unknown
(b)
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Type 2 DM is a heterogeneous
group of disorders usually
characterized by variable degrees of insulin resistance, impaired insulin
secretion, and increased glucose production. Distinct genetic and metabolic defects in insulin action
and/or secretion give rise to the common phenotype of hyperglycemia
in type 2 DM the identification of distinct pathogenic processes in type 2 DM has important
potential therapeutic implications, as pharmacological agents that target specific metabolic
derangements become available
(c)
Other Specific types of
DM
· Genetic defects
of beta cell function / Genetic defects in insulin action.
· Diseases of exocrine pancreas.
· Endocrinopathies
· Drug or chemical induced
· Infections
· Uncommon forms of immune mediated diabetes
· Other genetic
Syndromes sometimes associated with diabetes.
(d)
Gestational DM (GDM)
Glucose intolerance may develop and first become
recognized during pregnancy. Insulin
resistance related to the metabolic changes of late pregnancy increases insulin requirements and may lead to hyperglycemia
or impaired glucose tolerance. Most women revert
to normal glucose tolerance postpartum but have a substantial risk (30 to 60%)
of developing DM later in life. For diagnosis of GDM, Standard
OGTT is to be used. Pregnant women
who meet the WHO criteria
for DM or IGT are classified as having GDM. The
significance of IFG in pregnancy remains to be established. Any woman with IFG, however, should undergo
a 75g OGTT (Standard OGTT).
3 Diagnostic Criteria is given in the
Table below
|
Whole Blood Glucose |
Plasma Glucose (mg/dl) |
|||
Venous |
Capillary |
Venous |
Capillary |
||
IFG (Impaired Fasting Glucose) |
|||||
Fasting |
>100 (5.6 mmol
/ dl) <110 (6.1
mmol / dl) |
>100 (5.6 mmol
/ dl) <110 (6.1 mmol/dl) |
>100 (5.6
mmol / dl) <126 (7.0 mmol
/ dl) |
>110 (6.1 mmol/dl) <126 (7.0 mmol
/ dl) |
|
2 hrs Post Glucose |
<120 (6.7 mmol
/ dl) |
<140 (7.80
mmol/dl) |
<140 (7.80
mmol/dl) |
<160 (8.96
mmol/dl) |
|
IGT (Impaired Glucose Tolerance) |
|||||
Fasting |
<110 (6.1 mmol/dl) |
<110 (6.1 mmol/dl) |
<126 (7.0 mmol/dl) |
<126(7.0 mmol/dl) |
|
2 hrs Post Glucose |
>120(6.72mmol / dl) <180 (10.
mmol / dl) |
>140 (7.8 mmol
/ dl) <200(11.1
mmol / dl) |
>140(7.80 mmol/dl) <200(11.1
mmol / dl) |
>160(8.9 mmol / dl) <200 (11 mmol / dl) |
|
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) |
|||||
Fasting |
>110 (6.1 mmol/dl) |
>110(6.1 mmol/dl) |
>126(7.0 mmol/dl) |
>126(7.0 mmol/dl) |
|
2 hrs Post Glucose |
>180 (10. mmol
/ dl) |
>200(11.1 mmol
/ dl) |
>200(11.1 mmol
/ dl) |
>200(11.1 mmol
/ dl) |
|
4.
Initial Evaluation. A detailed clinical and laboratory evaluation will be carried
out to assess: -
(a)
Severity of carbohydrate
intolerance.
(b)
Predisposing conditions like obesity, pancreatitis etc.
(c)
Associated diseases
like hypertension, CAD,
hyperlipidemia, etc.
(d)
Diabetic complications
if any.
(e)
Functional capacity
of the individual.
5.
Investigations to be
carried out for assessment of Diabetes
Initial Investigations
· Routine Blood haemogram and counts
· Urine routine and microscopy
· Urine for microalbuminuria
· Blood Sugar F and PP
· HbA1C or Glycosylated Hb
· Dilated
Fundoscopy
· Biochemical profile including Urea, Creatinine, uric acid
· Lipid Profile
· TMT
· Insulin assay (if indicated)
· USG Abdomen
(KUB region)
· Nerve Conduction
velocities (if indicated)
· Tests for autonomic system (if indicated)
Follow up Investigations
· Sugar F / PP and Hb A-1C
· Urine for microalbuminuria (if indicated as part of follow up)
· Lipid profile
annually
· Biochemical profile
annually
· ECG annually
· TMT once in 2
years
· Dilated
Fundoscopy annually
· Fundus photography (if indicated)
6.
Assessment of Diabetic Control
(a) Grades of control.
Grade of
control |
Plasma Glucose (mg/dl) |
Hb A1c |
|
Fasting |
2 hrs |
||
Grade I (Good) |
< 110 (6.1 mmol / dl) |
<140 (7.80 mmol
/ dl) |
< 6 |
Grade II (Acceptable) |
<126(7.0 mmol / dl) |
< 180(10.08 mmol
/ dl) |
< 7 |
Grade III (Fair) |
< 140(7.80 mmol
/ dl) |
< 200(11.1 mmol / dl) |
< 8 |
Grade IV (Poor) |
> 140(7.80 mmol
/ dl) |
> 200(11.1 mmol / dl) |
> 8 |
(b)
Serum cholesterol
or Lipid Profile should be normal
for Grade I (good control).
(c)
Presence of associated diseases like hypertension, IHD, Cerebrovascular insufficiency, which require medication for stabilization, will indicate lower grade of control in respect of diabetes mellitus.
(d)
Presence or absence of diabetic complications which
effect functions of the target organs,
will also determine the grade of control e.g. Grade I diabetic control means
good blood glucose values with normal
HbA1C / Gly Hb and serum cholesterol / Lipid profile. Any significant abnormality in Gly Hb / HbA1C and serum
cholesterol/Lipid profile will make the diabetic control as Grade II.
(c) In diabetics stabilized
with drugs / insulin the control is to be assessed by blood glucose fasting and 2 hrs after
breakfast instead of 75 g oral glucose
load.
Disposal of Diabetes
7.
The P1 status
pertains to pilots fully fit for all flying duties, including instructional duties.
P2 status pertains
to fit for all flying duties except instructional duties and trainer captain
in flight.
8 Renal
Glycosuria. All cases of Renal glycosuria will be considered fit for
flying duties
9.
IFG / IGT. All cases of IFG / IGT will
be considered fit for all flying duties and they will be granted a P1 status. All subsequent renewals / reviews
will held be at IAM / AFCME only every 6 months.
10.
Diabetes Mellitus. All aircrew detected to have DM will be initially made unfit for
flying for 03 months,
disposal thereafter will be as per the grade and type of control with only
dietary restrictions or permitted OHA, as given below
(a)
Grade I Control with non-pharmacological means. Grade
I
control achieved with dietary restrictions, exercise and suitable weight
reduction will be cleared to fly as
P1, with all subsequent reviews at IAM / AFCME every six months. Under the
above clause the following criteria will have to be met: -
(i)
There are no symptoms.
(ii)Control is without drugs on a balanced diet and
calorie intake is optimum for aircrew duties without causing any
functional impairment.
(iii)Certificate from the individual stating that he is not on any oral hypoglycemic medication or any form of
medication for control of his diabetic status.
(iv)Fitness
Certificate from the treating Physician / Endocrinologist including the fact that the individual is not on any
oral hypoglycemic medication or any form of medication for control of his diabetic
status.
(v)There have no been previous diabetic
complications or existing
complications, if any, have
fully regressed.
(vi)Blood glucose
profile (Fasting and 2 hours after 75 g glucose) demonstrates Grade I (Good) response of blood (plasma)
glucose values at least on two occasions
with an interval not less than 12
weeks.
(vii)
HbA1C, urine microalbumin levels and lipid profile are within normal limits
and there is no evidence of any target organ damage.
(viii)Associated diseases
like IHD, Hypertension or dyslipidemia are being controlled by drugs, which are generally permissible with flying.
(b)
Grade II Control with non-pharmacological means. After 03 months
of unfit status if he is found to
have Grade II control, they will be awarded a P2 status and followed up at IAM / AFCME, every six months. If
on review he is found to have Grade I control his disposal will be as in para
10 (a)
(d)
Grade I Controlled with Pharmacological means (Single Drug)
(i)
During the initial
observation of 03 months when the aircrew
is unfit for flying
duties, if he needs to be put on medication, the same will be instituted. However,
only Plain
Metformin (maximum 2 gm / day) is to be considered compatible with flying. Extended / delayed
release preparations of Metformin are not acceptable for flying duties.
The period of unfitness for aircrew on Tab Metformin
shall be from
the date the aircrew is stable on medicine with stable blood
sugar values and not the date that he is made unfit for NIDDM.
(ii)
After a total period of non-flying status of 03 + 03 months or more, (depending on stabilization of drug dosage
and blood sugar values) if the glycemic control achieved
is Grade I he will be declared
fit as P1, with all subsequent reviews at IAM / AFCME. A certificate
from the individual as well as treating physician
/ endocrinologist with regards to medication being taken will be attached as mentioned
in para 10 (a).
(iii)
He will not be permitted to fly if has other associated
disease like IHD, Hypertension or dyslipidemia. However,
the boarding center on the merits of individual case may consider
P1 / P2 status in some cases if the coexisting disabilities are well stabilized with medication compatible with flying.
(iv)
During each review every six months, the individual
will be re-evaluated in detail with regard to grade of control and assessment
of target organ involvement.
(d) Grade II Control with Single Drug. After instituting Metformin,
if the Glycemic control is found to
be Grade II, the individual will be awarded a permanent P2 status. However, during subsequent reviews if the
individual is able to demonstrate a Grade I control
with life style modifications alone or with a single permissible drug he will
be disposed of as mentioned in sub para (b) and (c) ante respectively.
Grade II Control with Multiple Drugs or Insulin or Grade III and IV Control. Uncontrolled diabetes and those requiring oral hypoglycemics other than biguanides, a combination of two drugs or insulin in any form will be declared permanently unfit for flying.
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