I'm so depressed. I was told I can't join the military since I'm a diabetic. What now?

[nathanjames18]

I just turned 19, ever since I was a little kid and as far back as I can remember, I wanted to join the army. My grandpa and I were really close up until he passed away. I really looked up to him and he taught me a lot of stuff. He retired from the army as a E-7. He always loved the fact I wanted to become a soldier one day and before he died, he wanted me to promise him that I would follow through with my dreams and enlist. I saw a recruiter yesterday and brought all my documents and was ready to get started.
This is where my life just turned upside down. So I have type 1 diabetes, and have had it since I was 4 years old. I wear an insulin pump 24/7 and I have always managed my diabetes and been on the pump since I was 12. Most doctors won't let you have a pump and switch you from insulin shots until you demonstrate that you can accurately manage your condition.
The recruiter asked me medical questions, and I told him I am diabetic. His tone changed immediately and he rudely told me that I am ineligible for military service and showed me proof in a big book and said there are no waivers either. My entire world and dreams are shattered. I haven't slept at all. I don't know what to do with my life now, that's all I ever wanted to do. I never would have thought I Would be disqualified because of something that is not my fault. I failed my grandpa most of all :(

[CookCleanTwerkRepeat]

You haven't failed anyone, you did follow through and you did go through the process of enlisting. However, I'd say look at similar options which don't exclude your situation. If you like the physical notion of it, check out if you can go for the police academy (not sure if you can), or be physical trainer. If my physical trainer was fit, healthy and a diabetic, it would motivate me even more for my own health. This isn't the end. Trust me, I tried enlisting, but also didn't pass the medical portion due to my history of depression when I was 16. I wanted to join because I genuinely wanted to do something that will be of public service. Now I'm in childcare and try to make a difference in children. I am an artist who just so happens to be decent with kids. There are more things I'm sure you'll be great at. This isn't the end.

[EllieEl]

I'm joining once I turn 18. I have mental illnesses and I'm scared they won't accept me in due to it. So I'm going to try to hide it. Every male on my dads side has gone in the military. And I will be the first female in my family^.^

[rthomas43]

What mental illnesses? Often times there is a good reason behind why they don't allow certain conditions.

[EllieEl]

Mild schizophrenia. Mild Tourette's. Depression, anxiety, and trichotilliomania.

[rthomas43]

Not trying to rain on your parade, but the military might not be the best option for you...
Whatever you do, don't try to hide it.

[Misterjay02]

@EllieEl not to sound really rude but I don't think its a good idea to try to to enlist with those kind of past conditions. I can't really see them accepting you for that, and if they did, they wioiodnbe watching you like a hawk.

[Anonymous]

Tons of people have reversed diabetes with a healthy vegan diet. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diet/vegan-diet.html

[Kiwedin]

My aunt reversed her type 2 with a vegan diet. She's part of the reason why I'm vegan now. It's a great lifestyle :).

[Opinion Owner]

Kudos to you! I lost 50 pounds, completely eliminated my cholesterol, my resting heart rate is "fantastic" and my blood pressure is "excellent according to my doctor, my complexion cleared, my hair got stronger and healthier, I have much more energy and I'm just all around happier. Vegan is the way to be! Catch on people! :D

[Sassmaster123]

That stuff only works with type 2 not 1

[Kiwedin]

@Sassmaster123 Actually, it does manage type 1 better than any other diet tested. Type 1 is not reversible, no matter what you do, but people on plant based diets manage it most effectively, with healthier blood glucose levels, and less required insulin than others. Check out Mindful Diabetic Robby on IG, YouTube, or Facebook.

[Misterjay02]

I'm so sorry man. I'm in the military and I've seen a lot of those type of ineligiblities. You seen like the kinda person who wants to be in a position to serve others. My advice, look into a career in something like police or a fire fighter. All honorable and couragous positions to be in.

[Xcommunicated]

Civil service
Police
Fire
Emt
Armored vehicles
Federal law enforcement (DEA, atf, FBI, Dhs, lots of options for you to make a difference and not have to deal with "civilian" population

[rthomas43]

Tough break. Diabetes can be a real asshole sometimes.

Nothing you can do now but move forward. Set up a new life path.

[Anonymous]

That sounds awful, but don't blame yourself. You haven't failed anyone because it's not your fault you have this condition. I'm sure your grandfather would be proud of you anyway.

[Sexualchrist]

Do something else. Do something useful. Study engineering or something and get some hard skills you can work with.

[Despondency]

You're fine.