No matter how healthy, well trained and capable a diabetic (and/or someone age 65 and older) is, the FAA will not give a medical clearance (Class I or II).  MAKE A CHANGE!

"The FAA has established a policy that permits the special issuance medical certification of insulin-treated applicants for third-class medical certification. Consideration will be given only to those individuals who have been clinically stable on their current treatment regimen for a period of 6 months or more. Consideration is not being given for first- or second-class certification. 

Individuals certificated under this policy will be required to provide substantial documentation regarding their history of treatment, accidents related to their disease, and current medical status. If certificated, they will be required to adhere to stringent monitoring requirements and are prohibited from operating aircraft outside the United States."  (Source: http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/medical_certification/specialissuance/diabetes/)

The guidelines set for by the FAA regarding diabetes dates back to 1997, before the widespread use of insulin pumps.  Growing numbers of individuals are developing Type 2 diabetes (many stemming from overweight issues, heredity, etc.) and a growing number of them are requiring insulin to treat it (with more success.)  Diabetes, while controlled, posing little to no danger for immediate tasks - you can play sports, compete in marathons and live a normal life.  Type 1 diabetes is gained early in life and unpreventable.  However, the FAA and DOT have the belief that any diabetic using insulin is unfit to fly a plane other than for recreational purposes.  They will not issue Class 1 or 2 medical clearance (class 1 refers to commercial pilot, which requires the most extensive and intense training and class 2 refers to pilot for hire, such as those taking people up for sky diving, etc.), additionally, the make the tasks for class 3 (recreational flying) extremely difficult and with no guarantee of clearance even if you meet them.

This is unacceptable discrimination - diabetics can live a normal life, drive cars and work.  This extends to other things such as removing clearance (commercial pilot) from those healthy individuals age 65 and over (we live longer now - why is it fair to get rid of a pilot that can be healthy and has decades of experience!?)

Please sign this petition*, write and call your representatives, the FAA and especially the Transportation sub-committee of the Senate.  Let them know you find this discrimination offensive and unnecessary.  We aren't saying have special medical clearance, we just want the opportunity available to those who want it and can do it.

*When using the petition here, it will be emailed - please feel free to add in a personal story about yourself or a family member - the more personal stories that are included, the more attention this will get.  Share with everyone too.