Working in the military as a diabetic?

[Ares]

I read an answer to a question about joining the military as a diabetic and the answer was a resounding NO. However I was wondering if diabetics would be accepted as non-combat positions. Example: Could I join the military and go through basic training as a diabetic, but go into something other than combat so that the complications of combat would be eliminated? Thanks for any answers.

Secondary: When diabeties is cured (I wish every day) would it be a clean cut cure where there would be no further medical needs, therefore allowing cured diabetics to serve in the military? Again, thanks for any helpful information.

[Quique16]

Im like many others diabetic and i was wondering about that Dr you mentioned. Where is she from? How is her research?

[Nascarfanjw]

My husband was just diagnosed this past week with type 1 diabetes.  He is active duty Army.  We have already been made aware of the medical review board.  My husband has an excellent record with no discipline problems.  He is a mechanic with 13 years of service.  He is 6 ft. and weights 160lbs.  He always passes PT tests and has no problem with any physical activity at work.  He is an E5. He wants to stay in the Army.  Right now he takes a shot of insulin once a day.   Can anyone tell me how likely that is and what can we do to help make that happen?  Who can we get help from in the service or in the civilian world?  I am so scared we will lose all he has worked so hard for up to this point.

[Arkansassiemom]

Hello! I know your post is quite old however I was hoping to find out what happened with your husband career in the military?
My husband has been in for 21 years and is an O4.
He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 5 years ago but as of yesterday he is now on viscosta. (A pen)  however it’s not your typical insulin pen and they didn’t end up changing his diagnosis to type one.  With that being said I’m just trying to find out from other military members and or spouses what I should expect.  Thanks so much in advance for words of wisdom, advice or answers

[ibanez414]

I know that you are hoping for a cure. As am I. I am a type 1 diabetic who is interested in joining the military as well. If you are depending on a cure to get in, Dont hold your breath, The JDRF and the ADA do absolutely nothing. They don't want to cure diabetes, It's bad for business. If diabetes is cured people like you and I will no long have to pay for their supplies for the rest of our lives. Dr. Faustman is a private doctor raising money and has a possible cure. The ADA and JDRF attacked and called her a fraud. She's our best hope.

[shaek]

I was in the Canadian Forces as a Combat Engineer, but shortly after my basic I was diagnosed with type 1...The military really does not make exceptions, thus I was medically released from service; with absolutely no hope, short of a complete cure, of rejoining. It *****, I know the army is a great career, and when you have this chronic disease, that career becomes impossible to do, even when you have complete control of your sugars...But most police services will still consider you, that could be just as rewarding... :)

[Jman716]

Diagnosed with type I 8 years ago, been a long time dream of mine to join the United States Navy/Army and become a US Navy SEAL or Delta operative. I've talked to recruiters and it's impossible for me to join any branch of the military, never mind special forces. I was really disappointed    for a long time, but i finally moved on and focused on something new in my life. Maybe the government and country will actually take care of its people and start using stem cells for a possible cure.        

[tryingtofind]

I really have a hard time understanding why the military doesn't allow diabetics but other jobs with physical activity do. Law enforcement or fire fighting are good examples.  Its almost 2010 and I still feel as thought that treatment situations aren't like they were in the 1920's or even 1950's and hope that people don't still think that.  
Its like being discriminated against even without having any sort of a chance or ability to prove one's self because of old mind sets.
Things are extremely different.  They even have pumps now that mimic a pancreas.  Sometimes I keep thinking that a group of people with these situations should get together some how and possibly organize into some sort of group with permission of the us government and or local national guard or something like that to create a group of people that would be willing to go through some sort of test situation to let people try and or prove themselves.  This might sound strange but here's what I would be thinking:

All type one people participating should be on pump therapy.
All people must be on a guided exercise plan with appropriate measures engaged to certify standards that meet or exceed whats done in current situations that the military does for PT.
Certain types of standards for a1c type testing should be met over time as to what sugar levels are.  Heck the RCMP in Canada allows diabetics if you prove that you are under good control.

I'm sure there could be more added to this situation and or statements but this is just a big brain storm session that just came to me.  I guess I'm just tired of thinking that no one is listening to our situations.  I know the legal complexity is probably big but I think there's a lot of people out there that would be willing to try this under certain types of waivers.  I see so many posts out there where people want to do things like this all over but feel as though its not possible but inside of themselves they know its possible.  

Sometimes I feel as though that diabetics are healthier people than regular people.  Just wished that someone out there would give us a chance.