Diabetes and the Army

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I'm a type 1 insulin-dependent diabetic. I also have hypothyroidism. Both illnesses require daily medication -- and my diabetes requires a great deal of attention.

I know that the branches of the military will not accept anyone with an illness -- especially one like diabetes where I need insulin injections and I must worry about "lows" and "highs."

However, I am very interested in joining the Army Nurse Corps after my graduation from Nursing School. I fear that they will not allow me to do so due to my diabetes. :o

Does anyone know if they would still accept me as a nurse?

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I would call a recruiter. I am betting, though, that it's a resounding no.

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Agree with the previous poster - you can call a recruiter to validate - but I believe both of those are non-waiverable conditions. If you'd still like to work to support the mission you can apply to work in an army hospital as a federal employee after you gain experience as an RN.

Best of luck - please provide feedback from what you learn,

v/r

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Specializes in Cardiac Tele, Cath Lab, ICU, ICUSD.

Hypothyroidism is waiverable only IF it is being treated. Here is what I found on diabetes.

According to AR 40-501 it states the following;

2–8. Endocrine and metabolic disorders

b. Current or history of diabetes mellitus (250) is disqualifying.

Im sure if you need clarification on hypothyroidism, the information will be in AR 40-501 as well. Hope that helps!

~Kelly

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

Unfortunately as others have posted, DM is an automatic DQ:

www.military.com/Recruiting/Content/0,13898,rec_step07_DQ_Medical,,00.html

I also heard, thru the green grapevine, that Soldiers with DM (developed after the fact) will no longer be deployed as of this JAN 09. I work with an Army Nurse who is insulin-dependent, was deployed to Iraq and remains active duty....But don't know what the future will hold, especially if the GWOT winds down in Iraq....We may be seeing a lot of Medical Service types "retired" or involuntarily medically separated, sigh...

But, like Just Cause stated, Army MEDCENs need civilian nurses or government contractors and are hiring.

athena

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