Travel Tips From a T1D Commercial Pilot

Travel Tips From a T1D Commercial Pilot

February 12, 2026 · 38 min · Episode 93

About this episode

Quinton Weiskittel shares his experiences managing type 1 diabetes as a commercial pilot, discussing FAA regulations and practical travel tips.

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. Key Topics Being diagnosed with diabetes mid-career: the moment everything changed FAA rules on pilots with diabetes and the path back to the cockpit CGM targets, reporting requirements, and medical follow-ups as a pilot with diabetes Preventing lows during flights: alerts, trends, and planning ahead Food choices and low-carb strategies while flying a plane What coworkers need to know (CGM alarms, injections, and professionalism) Travel tips for diabetes: airports,travel lulls and wait time, and insulin logistics Pump therapy in the air: pressure concerns and…

People in this episode

Hosts: Dr. Jeremy Pettus, Dr. Steve Edelman

Guest: Quinton Weiskittel

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: FAA

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