Diving with Type II Diabetes

[joel3739]

About three months ago I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. One of my greatest concerns about this disease is that I would not be able to dive anymore. I have been doing research on Diabetes and understand it is not a death sentence. I also understand that I can continue to dive once my blood sugar level are under control and my health is in good condition. I have talked to my doctor and he also agreed that once my numbers are in better shape that I should have no problem getting back into the water. I have started medication and things are moving in the right direction. What I would like to know is, if anyone is in the same situation what regiments do you follow before you dive. I definitely want to take every precaution I can to make sure that I surface in the same condition as I entered the water.

 

[BlueDevil]

These articles by DAN may be of interest to you:
DAN Divers Alert Network : Medical Research : Publications

Also there had been a recent thread on another forum on a similar topic (but may be not quite what you are asking:
http://www.diveoz.com.au/discussion_forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=18384

 

[jeanne001]

My husband has Type II Diabetes. 1. In addition to eating breakfast before he leaves for a day of diving, he has to make sure that he eats at his surface interval. He recently took his Dry Suit class. He came out from his first dive and was ashen faced and wasn't feeling great. He had bouyancy problems and air was getting to his feet. He was working hard. (Thats when I found out Dry Suit diving is much different than wet suit diving!) He ate his lunch and after an hour was ready to get back in the water. 2. He has to wear his neoprene socks - ON EVERY WET DIVE. If he doesn't the booties rub on his feet and he gets a hot spot and it turns into an angry monster. Check your feet after every dive. 3. Make sure your diving buddies know your situation and know what to do if you need help at any time. You should have a long diving history if you take your meds, eat healthy, stay hydrated and pay attention to what your body is telling you.

 

[Gene_Hobbs]

Pollock NW, Uguccioni DM, Dear GdeL, eds. Diabetes and recreational diving: guidelines for the future. Proceedings of the UHMS/DAN 2005 June 19 Workshop. Durham, NC: Divers Alert Network; 2005. RRR ID: 5538

This is the DAN seminar:
Diabetes & Recreational Diving: History and New Guidelines - Neal W. Pollock, Ph.D.
http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/training/seminars/diabetes/index.asp

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]YMCA diabetic protocol
download pdf

[/FONT] Scuba diving with diabetes mellitus--the UK experience 1991-2001.
Edge et. al. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2005 Jan-Feb;32(1):27-37.
RRR ID: 4036, PMID: 15796312

Quite a few more articles that may be of interest.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi joel3739,

The references provided by Mr. Hobbs should get you on your way.

Here's an updated piece I wrote for Rodale's Scuba Diving magazine. It provides a somewhat broader discussion of the issue. I trust you'll find it informative and encouraging (BTW, the link to DAN's latest guidelines is not working, so use http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/training/seminars/diabetes/index.asp):

Can I Dive with Diabetes?
Doc Vikingo's Diabetes & Diving

I would add that this topic has received much discussion on this forum over the years. In the event that you are interested, here are the results of a relevant search ----> http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/search.php?searchid=6478249

Helpful?

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

 

[scubagoldmc]

Joel,

I am also a type II diabetic. I have gotten my diabetes under good control and have no problems diving.

A lot of the information you will find (DAN included) is regarding type I diabetics. If you get under control and understand how exercise affects you you should do fine.

My brother got me a book that did wonders for getting under control. It recommends a very low carb diet that is very hard for me to follow, but with modifications has me in control. My last 2 A1C's were 6.5 and 6.6. If you would like information on the book let me know either here or by PM.

Part of what you will need to understand is how your meds work. The book also helps with this.

Best of luck and good diving in the future.

Mike

 

[mavdog]

I am a Type II also. I check my sugar with a glucometer before I dive and eat something between dives The way it was explained to me high blood sugar is a problem over time low blood sugar is a problem right now. If you have a hypo (low sugar) incident you shouldn't dive for 1 yr. So make sure that doesn't happen by checking your sugar levels.

My diabetes is controled with with meds,diet and exercise. I have my Dr. covinced Diving is exercise