Hi,
I am a type 2 insulin dependent diabetic diver who often dives solo. The first post of this thread should be a serious reminder to all divers with type 2 diabetes.
I have not had a low blood sugar incident when diving, for the following reasons/tips.
1. Do not dive if your blood sugar is not controlled and reliably gives BG readings at expected levels.
2. Begin hydrating yourself(slowly, sips will hydrate, gulping will lead to urination) 15-30 minutes before every dive. This is important to all divers, but particularly important to diabetics.
3. If you use insulin, you must know what type of reading you should expect after moderate to strenuous exercise, and adjust or do not use your insulin accordingly.
4. Always eat a small amount of carbs prior to your dive. Better to error with a little above average BG then below.
5. Keep a candy bar or glucose kit in your BCD pocket. In the event you should notice your BS getting low, surface and eat. The same common sense techniques we use on the surface should apply to our diving practices
6. If doing multiple dives, check your BG levels between each dive. An ounce of prevention is a....
* Remember how a low blood sugar episode has affected you in the past. Sort of like being narked, but worse. Should you have a low blood sugar episode at depth the results could easily prove fatal to you and your buddy(as your actions will be highly unpredictable at best).
Take your responsibility to yourself and your dive buddy seriously and always be prepared physiologically before every dive. Important for all divers, and for diabetics divers it can not be overstated.
Some tips I have learned the hard way.
As diabetics a simple blister can keep us out of the water, and a moderate to severe blister may keep us off our feet.
1. Recommend to wear dive socks under your boots(help protect your toes from blisters and prevent most sand from getting on your feet causing possible abrasion issues).
2. Be certain your fins fit correctly, as a loose fitting fin can cause blisters which diabetics are not fond of :depressed:.
3. Buy the best boots you can afford. Seasoft Stealths and Mares Trilastics have been great for me. These boots have hard soles, fin strap guards and are very friendly on the foot on the inside.
4. Pay particular attention to keep your boots free from mildew. A good soak in fresh water with a bit of mouthwash works wonders. If weather conditions will not permit them to dry quickly, stuff a hand towel in each boot to wick away the moisture.
Hope this will help those who dive with diabetes now, as well as let those who are diabetics and are considering diving. Safe diving with diabetes is very possible with a little extra preparation.