Travel Tips From a T1D Commercial Pilot

What does it take to safely manage type 1 diabetes while flying a commercial jet? In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Pettus and Dr. Steve Edelman talk with Quinton Weiskittel, a commercial pilot living with type 1 diabetes. Quinton shares what it was like to be diagnosed mid-career, how FAA rules have changed, and the real-world routines he uses to stay steady through long flights, time zones, busy airports, and long stretches of sitting. They also cover what the FAA requires for certification, how Quinton uses CGM data and smart “buffer” strategies to prevent lows, and why he’s chosen MDI over pump therapy while flying. Timecodes: [01:57] Quinton's Diabetes Diagnosis [05:07] How the diagnosis grounded him for seven years and the legal changes that eventually allowed him to fly again. [07:07] Life During the Gap [08:18] Intentionally crashed a Boeing 727 [11:10] FAA Medical Requirements: The specific requirements for commercial pilots with type 1 diabetes (including CGM data, strict blood sugar ranges, and frequent medical exams) [14:47] Managing Glucose in the Air: Strategies for diet and insulin management before and during flights to ensure safety. [17:15] Cockpit Protocols: How Quinton communicates with co-pilots about his CGM alarms and diabetes management. [19:16] Medical Stigma: Discussing the misconceptions some medical professionals have about the capabilities of people with type 1 diabetes. [22:13] Pump vs. Injections [26:42] T1D and the Military: A look at the restrictions on joining the military with T1D compared to civilian aviation. [29:32] Travel Tips for Diabetics: Advice for navigating airports, managing blood sugar during the rush of travel, and dealing with immobility on planes. [31:56] Insulin Storage: Tips on keeping insulin cool and why extreme cooling measures might be overrated for short trips. [34:42] Finding the Right Doctor: The importance of having a supportive endocrinologist who is willing to help with the extensive FAA paperwork. ✨ Subscribe for practical diabetes management tips, technology updates, and treatment breakthroughs that help people with diabetes live healthier, more flexible lives. More diabetes resources: Website: https://tcoyd.org Blog: https://tcoyd.org/blog/ Podcast: https://tcoydthepodcast.transistor.fm Instagram: / tcoyd Facebook: / tcoyd Stay connected! Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://tcoyd.org/newsletter-subscribe/ Support TCOYD's educational programs: https://tcoyd.org/donate