Unfortunately, not many people are informed about Diabetes. They hear the word and think of people who pass out all the time, are half blind and have lost a leg. There are two common forms of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 people are getting so frustrated in being lumped with Type 2 that there is very strong movement to call it TD1. Both have very different treatments and side effects. A controlled Type 1 is healthier and more in tune with their body than a "healthy" person. How many of you go for a complete check up every three months?
I do not agree with lying for any reason. However, the ignorance about diabetes, especially Type 1, is staggering. There is prejudice and fear without even research or knowledge. It has been posted that people with a "medical condition" should have a monthly doctor's clearance. Really??? Type 1 diabetes does not change monthly or yearly. It isn't something that can be controlled by exercise and diet. Discrimination comes in many forms, the dive can suddenly be "full" or they just happen to not have the equipment one needs to dive.
One last thing, people see someone with an insulin pump, they think that they have diabetes really "bad". The opposite is the truth. Only people who are in compliance and regulated are considered for a pump. There is one company that I know of whose pumps are waterproof and able to withstand deep water.
In my many years, I have decided to only disclose something on those generic forms if it will affect me or those around me. If it gives someone who is ignorant on the subject, a cause to discriminate, I do not check the "box". Like it has been said, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can affect a diver. Wonder what conditions would turn up with supposedly "healthy" people if they were to have to be subjected to a complete physical?