The military and Type 1 diabetes - more of a connection than we think…

Is there actually evidence that they develop it at a greater rate than active people their own age? Because most of them are probably young adults… and I’m pretty sure adults up to 30 are supposed to be the second most common age group (after minors) to develop the ‘betes.

Which is not to say they don’t need some tailored support, of course.

I’m wondering if it has something to do with physical activity. I know I was diagnosed while running x-country in high school.
“… during or shortly after deployment …” can also mean “right after boot camp.”
But no, I don’t know anyone this has happened to in the military.

I am the friend Alexis is referring to (Thanks again Alexis for blogging about us Military DM1′s.) The rate is certainly greater than the National average. Most cases I have found have been members in their 20′s and 30′s. Possible links to Anthrax vaccine, exposure to viruses,neurotoxins and other environmental factors in Iraq/Afghan cuasuing autoimmune response, or the inordinate amount of stress combat brings on. I was one of 3 in my 750 person unit to come back with it. I found another unit of 140 people with 6 cases within 14 months of a deployment. Most cases derive from combat or jet pilot occupations. I will keep you posted on our advancement. Happy Fri!!

BG 112 six weeks before deployment. BG over 450 (limit of Doctor’s meter) four weeks after 180 day activation with deployment. B-52 pilot.

Same happen to me. I deployed to Iraq nothing was wrong till after 10 months after I got home and went to ER and my sugar was 618. I am now on insulin pump and possibly getting medically retired or seperated from the military because of this.

Hi I am a type 1 diabetic kid with dreams of being a marine. I am 12 and want to know if I can .my bg is usually around 135 but yeah I also use the insulin pump thank you. diabetic power!

Tell me I can be a marine I didn’t ask for diabetes ive had it since I was 3. I really hate it when my friends say I cant eat sweets or candy. I also have celiac but that’s common for people with type 1 diabetes. Do any of u have it. Anti wheat

I served in the Army from 83-88 and about 10 years after getting out, I was diagnosed with type 1 insulin dependent diabetes. I’m on the pump now, with no problems except living with the desease.

I am currently a Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine with over 15 years of service. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in May of 2010. I was deemed FIT for duty during the MEB/PEB process in February of 2011. I am able to maintain all physical training requirements while maintaining good BG# and able to conduct all daily duties with no set backs from my diabetes. I served 4 combat tours to Iraq with the latest being in August 2007 - January of 2008. My last two flight physicals (2009, 2010) showed signs of high blood sugars but were never noticed by the doctors. Anyone with further information on groups/studies that are investigating a possible link between Type 1 Diabetes and the military please pass on.

I am currently being medicaly discharged from the army for type 1. I began symptoms for my case weeks after I was hit by an IED. I faught the symptoms for over a year and finaly after loosing 50 lbs. loosing my vision and getting admitted to ICU, I was diagnosed. I tried to stay in and change MOS but they denied that. I have excepted the discharge and recieved my ratings. I recieved a 20 % disability. The requirments for 40% and a medical retirement are insalin dependent, a restricted diet, and restricted activities. Any diabetics will no we meet those requirments. I dont know about all this but I have only a type 2 diabetic in my family. I am 27, and dont smooke drink or dip. I realy would like to know if the army caused this. if you have any info to help plz email. [email protected]

My husband was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes a month ago. He has been told he will be medically discharged from the Army. He is insulin dependent and walking brings his sugars down a lot. So his activities are limited for the time being. He is non-deployable. He has been in for 12 years, with 2 deployments and no previous signs of Diabetes. It hit us out of nowhere. Will he only get 40% if medically retired?

I meet all the specifications above, military, deployment, kuwait and Iraq. Diagnosed 8 months after returning with type 2. any know policy for type 2.

My friend joined the army, got all the vaccines, and then was diagnosed. They wouldn’t let him in after that. He never even went through basic training. I always thought it was very suspicious.

My father was diagnosed with Type I diabetes after nearly 20 years in the military and several deployments. I really think he would enjoy talking to other people who are in the same situation now. He really loved his job as EOD in the military and was heart broken when he was medically retired…

My husband was stationed in korea and developed t1 diabetes out there. he is insulin dependent and getting a pump TODAY. He is being medically retired and going to school using vocational rehabilitation. I just want to mention that God has used this struggle to bless us immensely and He can do the same for you if you let him! God bless y’all!

My Husband was away last year in Afghanistan where his job was searching for IED’s with EOD and Search Taskforce. Early on in his tour he and his team were IDF’d an he lost 2 mates. Since returning sept 12, he has lost a stone and a half in weight. Last week he went to the Med Centre for a medical and they found abnormalities, 4 days later diagnosed with Type 1 following BM 33.1. He is fit and well but been told by the doctor that this will end his military career after nearly 11 years. any advice or help etc would be greatly appreciated.

My husband was diagnosed with Type 1 a month after he came back from
Afghanistan. He got sick and lost 30lbs his friends took him to
A military hospital in Germany an that’s when he was diagnosed.
He has no family history of diabeties at all in his family,He currently has 30% disability with VA and he is currently in the Army Reserves but after being in for 3 yrs they tell him that he need to sit in front of a med board so they can medically discharge him. Well 3 yrs later we r still tried to get in front of the med board. Any info anyone has would be great it’s just an endless game or seems like. Our daughter also inherited the type 1 from him she got diagnosed at 21mo.