The Characterisation of the Carbohydrate Metabolism Status of Individuals Living With Diabetes Serving in Homeland Security and Law Enforcement Agencies During the Suitability Assessment

Abstract

In assessing the health suitability of personnel in armed forces alongside the presence of diabetes, it is crucial to consider whether carbohydrate metabolism is balanced, as this may be a prerequisite for the classification of "Fit", besides the imperative of achieving and maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels to prevent short and long-term complications. Traditional means of assessment include laboratory tests of urine and venous blood, as well as fingerstick blood glucose measurements by patients. In recent years, the widespread use of continuous glucose monitoring offers further opportunities for a more precise and comprehensive evaluation of carbohydrate metabolism status. This paper summarizes the advantages, application limitations, and prospects of utilizing continuous tissue glucose monitoring in the context of health suitability assessments.