Diabetes

[SharonJD]

Hi, have recently started to learn to dive. However, my post is not about me, but my partner. He has been diving a few years, really loves it and never had any problems (he is early 50's), he was about to go to egypt the beginning of this month, but, his doctor stopped him, as he was diagnosed in september with diabetes. They are investigating as to whether it is type 1 or 2. He currently is on tablets twice a day, and has to monitor his blood sugar level daily. Can anyone please advise if he is ever going to be allowed to continue diving?? What are the rules on diabetes please as we are really concerned, as i started to learn in order to go with him in the future on trips etc, and now feel very unenthusiastic about continuing. I guess what we need to know, is whether there is some sort of time scale involved here, or whether he is never going to passed to dive again, will i be allowed to be his dive buddy too? :confused:

[IainC]

As with anyhting medical, the medical refereees will be able to give you the most info, but don't give up yet.

Depending on the type and severity of the diabetes diving can still be permitted.

Usually you have to wait at least 6months from diagnosis to be regarded as 'stable' before you can get back in the water though. At least that was the experience of one diver from my club.

Iain.

[SharonJD]

Thanks, will tell him. Know he will be dissapointed as we wanted to go to egypt in february. But least if he still has the chance later next year, its something to look forward too.

[Adrian Kelland]

Sharon,

There is a diabetes pack at the bottom of this page (http://www.bsac.org/medical/index.html). Apparently only one of the medical referees handles diabetes enquiries.

I have dived with divers who controlled their diabetes with medication or diet, so there is definitely reason to believe that you will get to dive together.

Adrian

[Richard Greenwood]

Hi Sharon,

My wife is a diabetic diver, so maybe we can offer you a few pointers.

As long as you take a few precautions & your partner can control his blood sugar levels then he could probably dive again.

She has to have a medical each year, and is limited to a max depth of 30m, with minimal deco (affects of deco on diabetics is still not fully understood).

She checks her blood sugar levels just before diving (but she actually runs her sugar levels slightly higher due to the amount of exertion required) and if they are too low either eats something or bins the dive. She'll then recheck after the dive. She is supposed to dive with someone who understands diabetes & what signs to look for in a hypo (low sugar) situation - so that'll be me all the time - but she gave branch members an overview of the problems she might encounter.

We bought a waterproof box that she carries all the time on the dive which contains glucose gel & a chocolate bar in case we ever get seperated from boat cover & it's a while before we get recovered (heaven forbid this actually happens) or she has a hypo whilst out at sea.

If you need further advice Dr Chris Edge (BSAC Referee) knows a lot more about diabetes & diving.

Hope this helps.

Richard

[spinicus]

Hi

I'm a Diabetic Advanced Diver & Instructor. (And D/O)

It's all true what has already been said, especially that Chris Edge is the man to speak to.

I thought I'd add my 2 penneth worth as well - Chris is currently compiling data on Diabetic divers so that hopefully we can work out what effects there are (if any). Once registered with him, you will need to send him details of dives to add to the volume of data - the more the merrier.

I definately also run my blood sugar on the high side when diving - gives me a good excuse to eat stuff that I normally can't!

I have done 40 odd dives this year, and a lot of training, and no problems at all. I always have to make sure that my buddy (or trainee) understands something about it, and I also carry a tube of glucose gel.

Hope all these comments make you feel better about it, there is definitely diving after diabetes

Brian

[SharonJD]

Thanks for all the advice, we still have a lot to learn about controlling his diabetes, we dont know what the correct level even is yet, sometimes its 13+ others its about 5. But he is really keen to keep diving, so i am carrying on, and really enjoying it, so hopefully by the time he gets the all clear to dive, i will be able to dive with him, and fully understand any problems that may crop up. Thanks again.