Living with Diabetes

The Association worked with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to change the medical standards for individuals with diabetes who wish to work as fire fighters.

Diabetes is no longer considered an automatic disqualifying condition, but rather, any disqualification because of diabetes or insulin use must be determined on a case-by-case basis.

The new standard contains a requirement that a person’s A1C be below 8% - something the Association strongly opposes.

NFPA 1582: Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments, 2007 edition, may be ordered through the NFPA website.

The diabetes standard can be located in:

• Chapter 6: Medical Evaluation of Candidates – section 6.18.1 through 6.18.2
• Chapter 9: Essential Job Tasks – Specific Evaluation of Medical Conditions in Members – sections 9.6.1 through 9.6.5
• Annex A: Explanatory Material – sections A.6.18.1 through A.6.18.2, and A.9.6.3.1

To request a copy of the diabetes standard, send an e-mail to legaladvocate@diabetes.org