Type 2 Diabetes

[Bobrickard]

I am returning to diving after a 15 year break. I am type 2 diabetic, insulin resistant on medication (well controlled) plus statins. I am over 50. I exercise 3 times a week.
Can anybody advise me on the latest thoughts regarding diving and this subject please. There must be others with my condition who dive, and i would really appreciate your advice. Thanks

[IainC]

The current approach to medical problems is to 'self declare' annually, privided you don't have any problems that could affect your diving.

If you do have such a problem (and diabetes would be a problem)y ou need to get a medical referee to discuss your condition and counter sign a medical form before being considered 'fit to dive' - they will be able to make an informed judgement and will either tell you 'sorry no' or (more likely) sign you off as fit to dive for a number of years.

In the first instance you call them and talk - if they can sign you off on thsat basis you post hte form to them, pay them a fee (£10 or £15 I forget) and they return it signed OK.

If they aren't so sure you may have to have an appoinment to see them and discuss in more detail.

Obviously, the yare hte experts, so I cna only say, that we hoep you'll be passed fit, but there are no guarantees

http://www.bsac.org/page/42/medical-matters.htm

Regards,

Iain C.

[Ron Evans]

Hi Bob.

You will need to be seen by a medical referee, and they will need to liaise with your hospital diabetologist. I expect that they would want to know that your diabetes is stable, and that your cardio-vascular state is good. There is no-one on the site who would be in a proper position to advise YOU any further, although you may hear some stories from other diabetics.

If you are passed to dive, you would probably be better buddied with someone who knows your condition, and what to do when you show signs of "hypo", as well as being able to recognise those signs.

Which part of the country are you from?

Cheers,

[Bobrickard]

Thanks for the input - appreciate it.
Bottom line.
Get checked out (medicaly) - and get signed off (should be fine)
Sounds fine to me. I can approach this with a positive mind set
Cheers

[Ron Evans]

Thanks for the input - appreciate it.
Bottom line.
Get checked out (medicaly) - and get signed off (should be fine)
Sounds fine to me. I can approach this with a positive mind set
Cheers

If you need a buddy to help, and am in my area, get in touch - I'll dive with you, once you are passed by the referee.

[Bobrickard]

Thanks for the offer Ron, appreciate it

[stephenslave]

They have a careline where you can get all sorts of advice relating to diabetes.