Hi there, waiting to go up (jumping with type 2 diabetes question)

[deerstalker36 0]

Hi everyone,

new to all this. I did a tandem for charity a few weeks ago and got the bug...

signed up for my solo static line course and gave the doc my forms to sign. I got a call today and the doc is unwilling to sign the form as there is a bit on it about diabetes.

i've got type 2 diabetes, controlled by metformin, no insulin. my bloods are well controlled, have been for over a year. The form mentions exceptions but doesn't state what they are and the doc wont sign my form for the jump.

what are your opinions on this..... btw the doc has had the forms for a week, i was due to do my course tomorrow and they've only just foned me to say he wont sign until i get written clarification


Colin

[Boogers 0]

Why do you need a doctor's permission to jump? What country are you in?

[deerstalker36 0]

Hi

I'm in the UK and over 40 (47), we have to fill out a medical form for the old and decrepit over here lol

[skymama 37]

Welcome to the forums!

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[DrDom 0]

Metformin by its nature should not cause hypoglycemia. The "glitizone" drugs notoriously do this but metformin should be safe to jump. I'm not your doc, but if someone came to me to certify them I do not see a reason to say no. Even here is sue-happy US. You should get a second opinion, maybe from an endocrinologist who knows your condition and the meds a bit better than your doc.

In the package insert (have it here) hypoglycemia is not even noted as a side effect!

The drug only works by suppressing liver outflow of glycogen which decreases glucose spikes; it also has the benefit of increasing sensitivity to insulin at the cellular level. It does not actually increase insulin production like the glitazones.

So... not sure why he/she is worried...

You are not the contents of your wallet.

[GLIDEANGLE 1]

I jump regularly with a jumper who has Type I (insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus. Yes, there are risks... but he has managed it safely for a VERY long time as a jumper. He has probably >5000 jumps with this condition.

The choices we make have consequences, for us & for others!

[Andy9o8 2]

If you're in the US, just go doctor-shopping.

Quote

Colin

Never mind.

[DrDom 0]

Andy9o8

If you're in the US, just go doctor-shopping.

Quote

Colin

Never mind.

In this case it wouldnt be shopping, it would be second opinion or maybe even a MORE QUALIFIED opinion.

FAA medical examiner would be a good resource.

You are not the contents of your wallet.

[Andy9o8 2]

Agreed.

My point being, however, that the best strategy for the OP depends in part on what country he's in - different countries, different rules & procedures. So would be helpful to know first what country he's in.

[PiLFy 3]

Hi,

There's no reason why well-controlled type-2 Diabetes would preclude you from jumping. Find an MD w/a clue. Does that Doctor not know your history in complying w/your treatment? Is he an import you were forced to choose due to state healthcare?

[rwieder 0]

I jump with people who are dying from cancer, never thought twice about it. So I would say your pretty lucky your affliction is just Type 2 Diabetes! If you continue to monitor your blood sugars and treat it out like your doctor tells you to, there should be no adverse affects on your sky diving abilities. Why won't your doctor sign your physical? Whether you have diabetes or not, it doesn't matter, Sky Diving isn't going to shorten your life, while a low ground WILL. Ask your doctor if he/she has a form for that!! Take care, have fun!

Best-
Richard

[DrDom 0]

rwieder

I jump with people who are dying from cancer, never thought twice about it. So I would say your pretty lucky your affliction is just Type 2 Diabetes! If you continue to monitor your blood sugars and treat it out like your doctor tells you to, there should be no adverse affects on your sky diving abilities. Why won't your doctor sign your physical? Whether you have diabetes or not, it doesn't matter, Sky Diving isn't going to shorten your life, while a low ground WILL. Ask your doctor if he/she has a form for that!! Take care, have fun!

Best-
Richard

I don't think he is questioning why he should jump or if it is safe for HIM, I think it is that his country requires him to be certified to do such and they will not do it because of his diabetes. It would be easy here... hell if "any" doc could sign the paper I'd do it for him.

You are not the contents of your wallet.

[rwieder 0]

I reckon he needs to see a different doctor? I know, as you probably do lot's of people who jump with an assortment of physical afflictions, and do it well.

Best-
Richard

[Ron 10]

I am a type two diabetic. I have 6k jumps, three instructor ratings, just got back from the US nationals with two Silver medals in open.

Further, I am a private pilot and just placed 2nd in an aerobatic comp. Type 2 diabetes should not be an issue.

That being said... I am not a Dr. Seeing that you are in the UK might make it a bit difficult. So my suggestions:

Find out if you can get a flight medical in the UK with type two. If you can, done. I don't know the UK rules, but the UK seems a bit more strict than the US.

If that does not work... Maybe check on going to Spain or the old USofA to get your license. See if transferring a foreign license is possible (basically see if you can by pass the medical BS by not being a student).

I can't help much more than that, but I you think I can help. PM me. If I have to, I'll email my blood work and a copy of my medical to fly to your Dr to show he is being a real knee-biter.

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[deerstalker36 0]

Hi guys,

wow, thanks for all the replies. The doc in this case is the same one that signed my scuba form only 2 weeks before so i cant quite see his issue.

the owner of the DZ that i was going to is having a word with one of his mates, who is a jumper and a doctor, see if she'll have a word with my doc.

I might just print out these replies as well and shove them under his nose

[Ron 10]

So you are unable to use another DR?

Quote

the owner of the DZ that i was going to is having a word with one of his mates, who is a jumper and a doctor, see if she'll have a word with my doc.

She just can't sign the permission slip?

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[deerstalker36 0]

hi Ron,

if she was at my surgery she would. I'm at a health centre for my docs, rather than the old fashioned doctors surgery where you'd have the same doc all the time. This place seems to have a lot of locum docs and it's rare to see the same one twice.
apparently it's getting harder and harder to get a doc to sign the jump forms cos they're too scared of liable, even though it states on the form that there would be no comeback. They just dont have the b##ls these days to take the decision without summat in writing to back them up

[DrDom 0]

deerstalker36

hi Ron,

if she was at my surgery she would. I'm at a health centre for my docs, rather than the old fashioned doctors surgery where you'd have the same doc all the time. This place seems to have a lot of locum docs and it's rare to see the same one twice.
apparently it's getting harder and harder to get a doc to sign the jump forms cos they're too scared of liable, even though it states on the form that there would be no comeback. They just dont have the b##ls these days to take the decision without summat in writing to back them up

I'll ask a dumb question... does it need to be a UK doc that signs the paperwork? If you take a flight to Massachusetts in the USA I could do a physical, generate a chart, and get you on your way. SCUBA is, in my opinion, more dangerous for diabetes simply because of the duration of exposure. Skydiving your odds of a 15 minute flight and 2 minute freefall are pretty low; if you're underwater and start to get low... things could get bad... delay surfacing, disorientation, etc.

I had open heart surgery and my doc is fine with me jumping. But hey... again... get a second opinion.

You are not the contents of your wallet.

[deerstalker36 0]

Hi,

Bit long in replying to everyone..... however........

Got the medical advisor for the BPA to have a word with my doc, forms are all signed and just waiting for a date for my first jump so all good.
There was a date this weekend to do a class but i'm off doing my PADI course first dive this weekend.
Mid life crisis - what mid life crisis?

[ianyapxw 0]

deerstalker36

Hi,

Bit long in replying to everyone..... however........

Got the medical advisor for the BPA to have a word with my doc, forms are all signed and just waiting for a date for my first jump so all good.
There was a date this weekend to do a class but i'm off doing my PADI course first dive this weekend.
Mid life crisis - what mid life crisis?

Congrats! Hope it all works out great