Why does DAN say

[yyidus]

Here is DAN's official recommendation for divers with diabetes. It's pretty strict:

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/news/download/SummaryGuidelines.pdf

 

[Gen San Chris]

Are Diabetics not allowed to enjoy themselves like other people! I am a PADI MSDT and type 2 diabetic but it does not stop me doing what I want to do!
If other agencies do not want to certify diabetics then come along to PADI and sod them!

 

[fisheater]

I happen to have a copy of the PADI Med form.

On the Guidelines for Recreational Scuba Diver's Physical Examinations" portion, diabetes is listed under "Severe Risk Conditions," and states, in bold, that "the potentially rapid change in level of consciousness associated with hypoglycemia in diabetics on insulin therapy or certain oral hypoglycemic medications can result in drowning. Diving is therefore generally contraindicated, unless associated with a specialized program that address these issues.

It then refers the doctor to "Guidelines for Recreational Diving with Diabetes" at WRSTC :: World Recreational Scuba Training Council and DAN Divers Alert Network - Scuba Diving and Dive Safety Association.

Hope that this helps.

 

[diverdwn71]

I agree with Gen San Chris! I have Type II and it has never affected me, or stopped me in any way. I go every year and get my PADI med release sighned by my DR. and go and enjoy diving.

 

[twashowich]

You know what...I say diving is a dangerous sport..right...if you have diabetes, you know what you have to do to keep it under control...if you are a diver with diabetes, you REALLY gotta know what's going on.....with all the wiavers we make students and divers sign putting liability back on to the diver......I say to NAUI..WT-F!!! Get into the 21st century....

DAN say they can do it..YMCA says they can do it.....So let get a movement going here...

Well at least make ourselves known.

Todd

 

[divinotter]

First, if a diver knows he's diabetic, does he have an obligation to tell his buddy? Or is it a right to privacy issue and you could be put in an iffy situation by not knowing? What if the stress of handling an emergency has put your buddy in low sugar mode and now 2 people are in danger? Does a dive boat have the right to ask for an additional waver that the diver is aware that his condition may present more complications? My mom and 2 brothers are type 2 - I'm just waiting for my turn. I think that I would have to take a pass when the time comes. That is because my first husband who actually worked as a volunteer on a sheriff's dive team quit when he became insulin dependent- which is the same time he found out he was diabetic- it's not always caught early on. And he loved diving more than anything else in the world- but he wasn't willing to put the rest of the team at risk. Having known 3 people who were all 'in control' of their diabetes (besides my mom or brothers) who all died from complications of shock, or heart etc., I have to say it does happen fast and can come on even without giving a 'not feeling right' warning soon enough. I would want to know if there was someone on the boat or in my buddy team that had an extra risk. Same goes for heart attacks, etc. People who are compromised - do they need to tell or keep it quiet?

 

[twashowich]

A responsible diver has the responsibility to inform ALL parties of his or her conditions...period..

 

[jmmacdougall2]

A responsible diver has the responsibility to inform ALL parties of his or her conditions...period..

It would be almost criminal if you had diabetes and didn't tell your partner. They MUST know that there is a risk, no matter how small, and how to help you if you do go into shock.

With that said, it's not likely that a diabetic is going to go into shock underwater. If he was worried about that, I would think that raising his glucose levels to a high-normal level on the boat would alleviate any ill effects underwater. Pack a capri-sun or something along on the dive for a glucose infusion underwater if necessary. Only dive within recreational limits, no deep diving. And most of all, get a doctor's clearance first! Preferably an endocrinologist or another specialist who deals with diabetes frequently.

 

[twashowich]

funny ..no DAN or NAUI responses here...do they look at this stuff?

 

[DennisW]

I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes about a year and a half ago. I have it well under control with metformin and diet. My Dr. has said I am ok to dive, although I have never asked for a letter. I am also a pilot and Type 2 diabetes is no longer a problem for pilots if they have their diabetes under control. This does require a Dr's letter and blood work up information to be sent to the FAA. When I sign a release for a Dive operator, it usually asks if there is a medical reason that I should not dive. I answer No.