Michael Hunter

Airshow Performer

My name is Michael Hunter. I was the first (and remain the only) airshow performer in the world with diabetes. I am the founder of the Flight for Diabetes organization to benefit children with diabetes.

From my earliest memories, I knew what I wanted to do- fly fighter jets. No other option was ever entertained. When I was a senior in High School, I had already committed to the Air Force and was taking private flight instruction. My career was cut short suddenly when diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Due to the worldwide ban on diabetic pilots at the time, I was told I would never fly again. For years, I struggled with diabetes, despite the advancements in medication and technology to control the disease. As many people do, I associated diabetes with limitations. I went through the denial, depression, anger, and fear that everyone with diabetes must overcome at some point. Essentially, I felt that if I accepted it, I would be different and limited. Welcome to diabetes…

Over time, I learned that acceptance of the challenges and striving to control the disease was the only way not to be limited by it. I realized that my limits were not due to diabetes but from my actions- simply my failure to accept diabetes and take actions needed to manage it. After that realization, I decided I would NEVER again let diabetes control what I could do.

Eventually, with my diabetes accepted and well managed, I was awarded special FAA approval to fly. I won the first aerobatic competition I ever entered. I was granted authorization to perform at airshows, becoming the only person with diabetes to hold this rating. After being told for nearly 20 years that I would never fly, I performed in my first airshow only 15 months after receiving my pilot’s license. Welcome to diabetes under control…

For my entire adult life, I have been a motivational speaker to people with diabetes. My history is the story I share to help them realize that through acceptance, education and actions, diabetes does not have the power to keep them from their dreams. Dreams are the most powerful motivator, and the Flight for Diabetes was founded to prevent another person with diabetes from ever feeling so limited by the disease.

“Your only limits are those that you choose to accept.”-                Michael Hunter

Type 1 Diabetic

Airshow Pilot

Rachel Fenske, PhD, RDN, CD, LDN

Research Scientist and Clinical Dietitian

Rachel Fenske is a Clinician Scientist who works as a Registered Dietitian on the Pediatric Diabetes Team at UWHealthKids. Rachel is involved with the team’s quality improvement initiatives that seek to identify ways to advance care for patients and families. Rachel has also been living with Type 1 Diabetes for 15 years and loves getting to work in an area of medicine she is so passionate about.