Analysis of the plasma glucose level in the aircrews of different aircrafts

Abstract

Objective To investigate the plasma glucose level in the aircrews of different aircrafts and to analyze its reasons,so as to provide the basis for stabilizing aircrew's plasma glucose level and ensuring flight safety.Methods Five hundred and thirty-two pilots,who were examined in our sanatorium from Jan of 2011 to Aug of 2013,were divided into 3 age groups (＜30 yr.,30-39 yr.and ≥40 yr.),and 3 flying hour groups (＜1 000 h,1 000-1 999 h and ≥2 000 h).Their fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels were analyzed and compared.Results ①The average level of aircrew's FPG was (4.55±0.54) mmol/L.Helicopter aircrews showed significant different FPG levels among age groups and flying hour groups (F＝4.290,5.157,P＜0.05 or 0.01).FPG level in bomber aircrew was significant different among age groups (F＝4.582,P＜0.05).FPG level in other aircraft aircrews was insignificant neither among age groups nor among flying hour groups (P＞0.05).②The FPG level of the fighter pilots in ＜30 yr group was significantly higher than that of helicopter,bombers and early warning aircraft aircrews (P ＜ 0.01).FPG level of trainer aircrews was significantly higher than that of bomber and early warning aircraft aircrews (P＜0.05).FPG level of the fighter,helicopter and trainer aircrews was significantly higher than that of bomber aircrews (P＜0.01).FPG level of helicopter and trainer aircrews was significantly higher than that of early warning aircrews (P＜0.05).For the aircrews in ≥40 yr group there were no significant FPG level differences among aircraft types (P＞ 0.05).③For ＜ 1 000 h group,the FPG level of fighter pilots was significantly higher than that of helicopter,bomber and early warning aircraft aircrews (F＝ 7.655,P＜0.01).In 1 000-1 999 h group,FPG level of fighter,trainer aircrews was significantly higher than that of bomber aircrews (P＜0.01 or 0.05).FPG level of fighter,helicopter and trainer aircrews was significantly higher than early warning aircraft aircrews' (P＜ 0.05).For flying hour ≥ 2 000 h group,FPG level of fighter,helicopter and trainer aircrews was significantly higher than bomber aircrews' (P＜0.05 or 0.01).Conclusions There are differences in different aircraft aircrews' FPG level.We should pay enough attention to them. Key words: Blood glucose;  Age factors;  Occupationa exposure;  Epidemiological studies