There is a profound difference between insulin-dependent diabetes and diabetes that is controlled by diet/drugs. I am one of the latter, having been diagnosed very early in the illness (I had annual medical examinations for flying and commercial diving, so it was picked up long before it would otherwise have been) about 8 years ago. I am an instructor registered with several agencies (not NAUI) and a technical instructor. I frequently do long and demanding dives. Because my problem is excess blood sugar, not too little, I am in no danger of my status changing underwater and the diabetes has zero impact on my diving or in fact any other of my activities. There are many other diabetics with a similar condition. Many people who don't have diabetes think there is one condition called "diabetes" and hypos are a fact of life for them. That simply isn't true. Nonetheless I was initially denied medical clearance for diving/flying in the UK until I appealed. Luckily some reason had sunk in to the minds of the physicians who decide these things, and they said I could have clearance "so long as my diabetes was well controlled" - missing the point that even if it weren't I still wouldn't be a danger to myself or my students.
I'm not complacent, and realise that my diabetes could change in character so that a hypo could become a possibility. Until that point however, and I'd have plenty of warning, I can continue extreme diving and teaching in complete safety (well, wrt diabetes!) with a completely clear conscience.
On another subject, in the UK there is such a thing as a 'diving physician" who is an ordinary physician with additional specialist training. Similarly there are also physicians specially certified to conduct flying medicals. A far better system than just going to any physician and hoping they know something about the subject.
I'm not complacent, and realise that my diabetes could change in character so that a hypo could become a possibility. Until that point however, and I'd have plenty of warning, I can continue extreme diving and teaching in complete safety (well, wrt diabetes!) with a completely clear conscience.
On another subject, in the UK there is such a thing as a 'diving physician" who is an ordinary physician with additional specialist training. Similarly there are also physicians specially certified to conduct flying medicals. A far better system than just going to any physician and hoping they know something about the subject.