Can You Do This Job?

Nat Strand, MD, a winner of "The Amazing Race," lives with type 1 diabetes.
Many careers are wide open to people with diabetes, but others have a ways to go.
Astronaut: YES
NASA evaluates all applicants on a case-by-case basis.
Athlete: YES
Some athletes with diabetes include Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, NASCAR driver Miguel Paludo, LPGA golfer Michelle McGann, former Olympic swimmer Gary Hall, Jr., marathoner Missy Foy, and Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Sam Fuld.
Ballet dancer: YES
Zippora Karz was a world-class ballerina with type 1 diabetes and now teaches.
Chef: YES
Art Smith, Paula Deen, Sam Talbot, and Charles Mattocks are all successful chefs with diabetes.
Commercial pilot: NOT YET
People with diabetes are able to pilot personal aircraft but are still banned from flying with passengers. The American Diabetes Association is fighting the ban.
FBI agent: YES
Prospective agents undergo a medical evaluation, during which those with diabetes are assessed on their ability to successfully manage their diabetes.
Foreign Service officer: YES
The State Department requires all applicants to undergo a medical evaluation, during which people with diabetes are assessed on their ability to successfully manage their diabetes. Read about two diplomats.
Military personnel: NOT YET
All branches of the military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard—bar anyone with diabetes from joining, though people diagnosed while already in service are not always discharged.
Personal trainer: YES
Ginger Vieira, Cliff Scherb, and Simon Bennett are among trainers with diabetes.
Police officer: YES
Prospective officers undergo a medical evaluation, during which those with diabetes are assessed on their ability to successfully manage their diabetes.
Reality TV star: YES
Nat Strand, MD, won The Amazing Race with her diabetes gear in tow; it all had to fit in one backpack.
School bus driver: YES
School bus driver licenses are regulated by the state, however, so some states may still have restrictions.
Scuba diving instructor: YES
In the past, people with diabetes were banned from this profession, but those restrictions have been lifted.
Supreme Court Justice: YES
Sonia Sotomayor was appointed in 2009 and has lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood.
Truck driver: YES
Many states allow people with diabetes to drive commercial vehicles within the state. Through the federal Diabetes Exemption Program, they can be interstate drivers as well. However, the process is long and complicated and still maintains certain requirements in order for a person with diabetes to be exempt.
Read more about diabetes and your career.