Tajima N, Yamada C, Asukata I, Yamamoto K, Hokari M, Sakai T
Flight Crew Medical Service Department, Japan Air Lines, Tokyo, Japan.
Aviat Space Environ Med. 1989 May;60(5):457-9.
The study aims to clarify the efficacy of self-monitoring of blood glucose as a tool for diabetic management in seven airline pilots with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. All were controlled with diet alone and were encouraged to measure fasting blood glucose at least three times weekly and occasional postprandial determinations for 6 months. HbAlc levels were measured every other month. After starting self-monitoring, fasting blood glucose level significantly declined from 126 +/- 18 mg.dl-1 to 109 +/- 13 mg.dl-1. HbAlc and serum lipids concentrations were also improved. The motivation of the subjects in adhering to strict diet therapy which led to the better control of diabetes was remarkable, and resulted in a lower rate of temporary disqualification from flying (17.6% vs. 7.7%). We conclude that self-monitoring of blood glucose is highly effective and should be recommended to airline pilots with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus for diabetes management.
