Diabetic divers

[Mrs H]

I've had diabetes for 19 years but that didn't stop me learning to dive http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif . I post to a diabetes forum where I appear to be the only diabetic diver, I was wondering if there is anyone here that has diabetes and dives. If so it would be great to swap diving tips http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[philworrall]

IIRC PADI recommended that you do not dive if you are diabetic as there is chance of seizure (is that the right term)
while underwater.
However, I think they took this stance as it was legally safer for them to do so. I believe now with a certified medical form there is no reason why a diabetic should not dive.

If you dive with a PADI dive shop there is a waver for you to sigh, basically this is a self "safe to dive" form.

I would recommend that your blood sugar level is corect before diving just in case.

HTH
Cheers

[Mrs H]

Phil

I have never had a problem, but I always have a medical certificate to say I am ok to dive. I think problems arise through mis-understanding of what diabetes is and what can happen. I always take time to explain to the dive leader about diabetes not just for my safety but for those with me and future divers who have diabetes.

As for my blood glucose levels I always check before and after a dive to make sure everything is ok and my buddy (Mr Hipkiss http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif ) is well versed in what to do if I should need help.

Andy tells me you were a di, did you ever dive with diabetic divers and what was your experience?

[philworrall]

I have had diabetics dive with me but they only told me after signing a release form, after the dive and on their way out of the shop.

Perhaps some diabetic divers see it as a risk and do not want to tell just in case they get stopped from diving.

I'm not sure what the latest medical thoughts are.


HTH

Cheers
http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Haydn]

We have two diabetic divers in my branch- One was diabetic before he started diving and the other has resently been diagnosed diabetic (as a result of the dive medical!http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif.

They have to get a medical certificate to confirm that they have the condition under control, usually their consultants do this at their diabetic clinic.

Both also carry a hypodermic with (I think) glucose? just in case of a problem. They instruct the dive buddy on how to use it, with strict instructions to remove their dry suits before injecting http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif

Haydn

[kenneth_halley]

I have a friend who was a semi pro instructor and took diabetis quite late. Initially both PADI and BSAC "barred" him (as much as you actually can- no one can physically stop you going diving if you want to)

He had his HSE part 4 revoked completely- they were not happy about him "working at diving" This was never returned.
However once he was shown to have his diabetis under control fully- and stable he was able to return to diving recreationally I think both BSAC and PADI imposed a limit of 30mtrs though I know for a fact he does not stick to that if it suits!
He does however monitor his glucose levels quite carefully- pre and post diving- esp in cold water- as you use energy up at a tremendous rate.

One tip- if you travel abroad diving ALWAYS carry your kit with you in hand luggage- my mates was in his dive kit on one foreign trip and it got off at Sharm when we were all going to Hurghada to catch a boat. Fortunately he had a diabetis management kit on him with enough (just) for the week. Else no diving at all!

[Mrs H]

I always carry two lots of my medication one in my hand luggage and one in my hold luggage just in case. This means carrying rather a lot of stuff as I have others meds as well as my diabetic kit but the bottom line is my life depends on having my meds close at hand http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif.

I also take 5 mars bars on the plane with me so that if we get delayed I don't have to worry about what I can get to eat.

All that with the diving gear doesn't leave much space for clothes http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[kfraser]

Hi Mrs H
I'm a BSAC Club Instructor and a few years ago I remember doing a conversion course for a couple of middle aged PADI divers. *The husband was diabetic. *Our Diving Office wasn't too keen to allow them to join the club but felt under pressure as the husband was a senior manager in the company that our club was attached to. *They learned to dive in the Caymans. *His wife didn't stick long to the cold water diving so he relied on the club members. *He was a really nice guy but it was almost impossible to get any of the other club members to buddy with him because as soon as he got up the dive boat ladder his wife would thrust a Mars Bar in his hand even before he had his mask off! *Everyone was scared in case he blacked out under water and they had a full blown rescue on their hands. *I wish you safe enjoyable diving.......! http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Mrs H]

I am sorry you had this experience with a 'diabetic'. Basic education on what to do before and after a dive would of help this guy, the problem is that most diabetic clinics don't want to get involved with such extreme sports. I am luck my diabetologist is forward thinking and encourages me to be as normal as possible http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif. He has referred other patients to me who want to do something out of the ordinary for advice and support. If you ever get another diabetic diver who needs help give me a shout :-). I am no diving expert but I can help with the diabetes aspects.

[Andy Hipkiss]

FWIW, if any of you guys need a buddy for a diabetic (or are a diabetic), especially at Stoney, I'll do it. I have been diving for the last 6 years and seem to have a fair amount of experience diving with a diabetic (not only my wife).

To be honest, it's not really different to diving with a "normal" diver ... in fact , "they" seem more careful and organised than the average diver, although maybe a little more stressed before the dive.

My job take me all over the world and hence have dived all over the world .... I have had many "scary" buddies , none has ever been a diabetic. Go figure.

HTH

[Nick Derbyshire]

Ha fantastic
I'm a diabetic diver too.
The trouble is diveing commercialy. I.E. in the bloomin shallow tanks in the public aquariums i have worked in.
Thanks for the boost Andy, you are soo right cos we have to be mega positive and careful so everything is planned out for the dive.
I learn't to dive in Scotland so the whole cold effective was the first thing i learn't and especialy when it's so cold that the first stage of the reg freezes unless it's left in the sea. Crunchy water is not a great way to dive especialy at night http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Mrs H]

Nick

It's nice to know I'm not alone http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif . Were you a diver before the diabetes or visa versa? You say you've had problems with commercial diving http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/devil.gif how about recreational? Do you have a regular buddy who knows what to look out? I get very nervous diving when i'm not with Andy, even with friends who know about the diabetes.

[Nick Derbyshire]

Nah started diveing past few years but been a diabetic for well it seems like forever. Can't dive comercialy cos nobody will insure me. Recreationaly is fine but don't get the chance or have the cash to go at the mo. Haven't dived in over 3 years now http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
Nevermind will get back into it sometime. never had any probs though when i was diveing regularly.
Nick