Can I Dive With Diabetes?

Can I Dive With Diabetes?

PLEASE NOTE THIS ARTICLE IS FOR GUIDANCE ONLY. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN AND A DIVING PHYSICIAN BEFORE DIVING WITH DIABETES.

Diabetes is a major chronic condition that affects millions of people around the globe. It’s estimated that 11.1% of the world’s adult population (aged 20 -79) are living with diabetes. But does diabetes prevent you from scuba diving?

Individuals with diabetes can experience significant fluctuations in their plasma glucose levels. The primary concern is that low levels of blood glucose (hypoglycemia) can make you lose consciousness. Long-term elevation of blood glucose (hyperglycemia) can result in circulatory problems and compromised vision.

In the past, any activity where a sudden loss of consciousness might pose a significant risk, such as scuba diving, has been considered a no-go for individuals with diabetes.

But with a substantial number of divers diving successfully (either openly or surreptitiously) with diabetes despite these disapprovals,  research and experience have shown that diabetic divers can continue or begin diving with a few additional guidelines.  

Can I Scuba Dive With Type 1 Diabetes?

Often referred to as juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes is where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, and the patient is dependent on insulin supplements. Although diving with type 1 diabetes is not recommended for people under the age of 18, the condition can still affect many adults.

YES, you can dive if you have or develop type 1 diabetes and are insulin dependent, subject to medical approval.  But each dive will require thoughtful planning and medical oversight. 

Always consult with a medical professional before embarking on a scuba diving holiday or course, who will be able to advise you if your diabetes is being properly managed.

A glycated hemoglobin test, HbA1c, should always be arranged at least a month before you consult with a diving physician. The HbA1c test may not always be available in resort, but the diving physician will normally need to see one before signing you as fit to dive. (A standard pin prick or fasting blood test is not adequate, as it only shows that day's results and not a history of well-controlled diabetes.)

Many divers with diabetes can enjoy or return to safe recreational diving with the proper precautions, training, and support from their care team.

Can I Scuba Dive With Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is the result of insulin resistance or insensitivity of insulin receptors. This condition can be managed with diet or lifestyle changes and oral medications that increase insulin sensitivity.

Type 2 diabetes is something that can affect many divers as they reach a certain age or through lifestyle choices. It can be more prevalent in adults over the age of 40 and with a waist size of over 40 inches. But don’t worry, developing Type 2 diabetes doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your scuba diving journey.

YES, you can safely dive with type 2 diabetes with the correct medical advice and approval. A diver or somebody who wishes to dive with type 2 diabetes must consult with a medical professional to ensure the condition is well-managed and to be aware of any risks.

Although a dive physician may be able to sign you fit for diving, they will need that all-important Hb1Ac glycated hemoglobin test to ensure your diabetes is being managed correctly. It is always advisable if you have recently changed your medication to leave an appropriate amount of time to monitor your condition before diving.

DIVER SAFETY WITH CIRCLE DIVERS FOR DIABETIC DIVERS

You must consult with a medical professional before deciding to scuba dive.

Safety guidelines we follow at Circle Divers include:

Who can dive when diabetic:

18-year-olds who have 

Well-controlled Hb1Ac levels (equal to or less than 9%)

Good overall health

Under medical supervision

No new medications

No history of hypoglycemia unawareness

No instances of hypoglycemia needing third-party intervention

IF YOU SHOULD DEVELOP ANY SYMPTOMS WHILE DIVING, YOU SHOULD STOP, END THE DIVE, SURFACE AND SEEK MEDICAL EVALUATION FROM A TRAINED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL.

CAN I DIVE SAFELY WITH CIRCLE DIVERS?

Diver safety is our number one priority at Circle Divers. We will always respond to the advice and guidance of medical professionals. We are not trained doctors, and you should always seek the advice of a physician and medical professional.

DAN insurance can always answer any queries about the diver safety of scuba with diabetes, even if you are not a member.

Although diabetes can seem an unfair, debilitating condition with the correct medical supervision and guidance of qualified medical professionals. In most cases, there is no reason why well-managed diabetes should keep an otherwise medically fit diver out of the water.

FURTHER RESOURCES

Both PADI and DAN have comprehensive guides to diving with diabetes which can be found on the links below.

PADI: https://pros-blog.padi.com/diving-and-diabetes/

DAN: Guidelines for Diabetes and Recreational Diving - Divers Alert Network