Diving with diabetes

[arobson]

Does anyone have any up to date information on Type 1 diabetics and diving?

It's not for me, I'm not a diabetic, but a friend of mine is, and he has expressed an interest in diving, but he's anxious about the diabetes thing, and I think he's been told that he can't dive.

I also heard that the views on diabetic divers have changed, and that as long as they have their diabetes under control, they are allowed to dive.

Last year on holiday in Hurghada, I introduced him to snorkelling, which he seemed to enjoy.

[rickgillyon]

I have Type 2, others here have Type 1 I believe. Not a problem so long as it's controlled, you don't want a hypo at 40m...

First thing the person should do is ask their doctor, as before doing any training he will need them to sign a medical form anyway.

[Steve Summers]

Does anyone have any up to date information on Type 1 diabetics and diving?

It's not for me, I'm not a diabetic, but a friend of mine is, and he has expressed an interest in diving, but he's anxious about the diabetes thing, and I think he's been told that he can't dive.

I also heard that the views on diabetic divers have changed, and that as long as they have their diabetes under control, they are allowed to dive.

Last year on holiday in Hurghada, I introduced him to snorkelling, which he seemed to enjoy.

Here you go UKSDMC medical standards- diabetes mellitus

Wish him well from me.

[arobson]

Thanks for the info Steve.

[shezza]

My dad dives with diabetes with no problem.. he just monitors his sugar levels closely before and after dives, and eats accordingly!!

[rickgillyon]

Here you go UKSDMC medical standards- diabetes mellitus

I'd not seen those, thanks. I think those forms etc. apply to BSAC, it's a bit simpler with PADI, just a standard medical form which can be filled by your GP.

[Steve Summers]

I'd not seen those, thanks. I think those forms etc. apply to BSAC, it's a bit simpler with PADI, just a standard medical form which can be filled by your GP.

Hi Rick,

they apply to the SAA SSAC etc. I don't know if the PADI one has changed in the last 10 years but it advised the examining doctor that insulin dependant diabetes was a contra-indication when I looked into it.

[arobson]

Hi Rick,

they apply to the SAA SSAC etc. I don't know if the PADI one has changed in the last 10 years but it advised the examining doctor that insulin dependant diabetes was a contra-indication when I looked into it.

Excuse my ignorance, but what does 'contra-indicaton' mean?

[Steve Summers]

Excuse my ignorance, but what does 'contra-indicaton' mean?

Hi, it's the wording used as a reason to not allow the person to dive.

[Rupert Bear]

Unless something has changed PADI did not allow anyone to dive with Type 1 under any circumstances. It may have changed in the recent past as I haven't been keeping tabs on it.
SSAC allow it but are pretty conservative, BSAC are usually fine and some of the other agencies can be fairly relaxed. The main deciding factor will be your actual overall health and control.