Voice of the Diabetic

Voice of the Diabetic

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ASK JANIS

Photo: portrait. Caption: Janie Roszler.

Janis Roszler, RD, CDE, LD/N is a registered dietitian, certified

diabetes educator, and certified insulin pump trainer. She has counseled individuals

with diabetes for over 14 years, and is currently the diabetes educator for

the website: www.diabetic.com

This column is for educational purposes only. For answers that meet your specific

educational needs, consult your physician.

Dear Janis:

What should a complete diabetes examination consist of?

Dear Jim:

A quality diabetes physical includes:

1. A quality review of your home blood glucose results.

2. A discussion of your medication, diet, and exercise program.

3. A talk about your lifestyle. What changes have you made since

your last visit?

4. An assessment of your weight, blood pressure, and pulse.

5. An exam of your eyes, heart and lungs.

6. A foot exam.

7. A check of your skin, with special focus on injection and

test sites.

8. A check of your reflexes, sensitivity (with a pin, monofilament,

or soft cotton), and review of any symptoms such as dizziness, pain, burning,

numbness, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty with urination, and sexual performance

problems, which can all be affected by diabetes.

9. A look at your gums, teeth, mouth, and throat.

10. A check of your thyroid gland.

11. A blood and urine test.

12. Vaccinations, as needed.

13. Other possible tests - mammogram/breast exam, pap smear,

rectal exam for women, prostate and rectal exam for men. A stool sample should

also be tested, to detect colon cancer.

Dear Janis:

Are airplane pilots allowed to fly if they have diabetes?

Dear Sandra:

In 1996, the FAA officially changed its policy regarding pilots

with diabetes. Under the new policy, each pilot with diabetes is to be evaluated

for a medical certificate. Candidates must meet rigorous medical guidelines,

and comply with an FAA-approved monitoring protocol before, during, and after

flight. For a copy of the medical guidelines, or for more information, please

contact Joe LaMountain, Manager of Government Relations, American Diabetes Association,

1701 N. Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311. You can also contact him by

fax at: (703) 549-8748. (Editor's Note: The FAA has posted its flying and diabetes

policies on the following web page:

www.cami.jccbi.gov/AAM-300/insulin.html)

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