Diabetics in the Military: Is It Possible?

Diabetics in the Military: Is It Possible?

Joining the military to defend your country from exterior threats can certainly be a noble act. Not everyone has the courage to risk their lives for their country. There are plenty of advantages to joining the armed forces: early retirement, job security, good and suitable insurance, and more.

Several countries across the world still impose conscription on their citizens, meaning mandatory military service. Some of those countries are South Korea, Norway, Israel, Russia, Singapore, Greece, Egypt, Turkey, and Iran.

But are you allowed to join the military and pick up your weapon legally if you’re suffering from diabetes? Well, that’s the million-dollar question for many, so let’s try to provide a satisfying answer!

Can you join the military as a diabetic? Well, it depends

it depends on a few factors if you can join the military or not as a person who suffers from diabetes. Those factors are represented by the type of diabetes, the severity of the disease, as well as the specific branch of the military.

Type 1 diabetes

In most cases, those who suffer from Type 1 diabetes are usually disqualified from military service. The constant need for insulin therapy and the potential for dealing with unstable blood sugar levels made the situation complicated enough, hindering their possibility of serving the country in the army. These individuals need constant access to medical care and medication, making it challenging for them to meet the demands imposed by the military service.

Type 2 diabetes

The situation changes a bit when we consider individuals who suffer from type 2 diabetes and are willing to defend their country in the military. These folks can be considered on a case-by-case basis, as the military would assess the severity of their condition. The need for medication and the possibility of maintaining stable blood sugar levels will also be taken into account. It is possible that individuals who deal with well-controlled type 2 diabetes and no complications can be accepted for military service.

Can diabetes be fatal?

The medical world has all the tools to tackle diabetes the right way, as the disease itself represents a manageable condition. However, poorly controlled or unmanaged diabetes can turn out to be life-threatening. The diabetic person can thus go through severe hypoglycemia, meaning low blood sugar levels, or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). At the same time, the condition can worsen other health conditions.

If you’re among those who suffer from diabetes, you must adopt a dilligent self-case, going to medical check-ups regularly, as prescribing treatment plans. It’s also a very important part to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as having regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing your stress levels.

During the medical evaluation process, it’s crucial for a diabetic willing to join the military to be honest about his condition.

 

Post Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.