Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by wassim on September 29, 2011 at 7:42am

Thanks Magz for the reply. But I meant sea diving on 20 or 40 m deep. I am planning diving lessons but wondering if there's any risk.

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Permalink Reply by Magz on September 29, 2011 at 7:49am

OH! Haha, I must have read wrong! Seeing as how the closest sea near me is at least 1500 miles any way, I'll refer this one on!

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Permalink Reply by Randy on September 29, 2011 at 8:57am

My certification has been long expired, but I am very curious to see your replies. I would never dream of diving again due to my complications. However, from what I see of the many very active and competitive PWD here at TuD my guess would be it is entirely possible. Rock on wassim. It is an amazing experience to dive. I wish you nothing but the best!

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Permalink Reply by Anne on September 29, 2011 at 1:09pm

Yes. it's possible!

I can't tell you anything about it since I've never done this and probably never will but I've met a diabetic who dos sea dive and she's getting along.

From what she told us, the most important thing is to know what your bg is and what it does while diving.
The other thing is that you'll have to gain experience, and know where your limits are.
As far as I remember, she also said that there was some glucose gel or something like that you can take with you... don't know more about it, though.

I'd say you should not sea dive if you're hypo unaware. Apart from that I don't sea a reason why you should not give it a try if you really want to. Just don't jump in immediately - carefully learn the how-to first! Sure there is a risk, as there is a risk in everything that prevents you from bg checks and the possibility to rest immediately. It may help to be in company of at least one person who knows what to do if your bg is too low/high.

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Permalink Reply by Marie B on September 29, 2011 at 1:19pm

Wassim, I don't know if you are a member, but we have a Group here for that

http://www.tudiabetes.org/group/scubadiving

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Permalink Reply by jeremiah_81 on September 29, 2011 at 1:22pm

i have these dive boat guys that eat with me who are going to be certifying me when the bottom calms down from all these hurricanes.... my first questions were my concerns with low blood sugar issues with oxygen or anything like that, i was more than assured that as long i am responsible for my blood sugar i.e. accounting for the exercise of swiming etc etc... that everything should be fine......

i have heard from a few divers around the world of message boardds whom say they raise their blood sugar to like 200, just to give a cushion and be on the safe side obviously everyone has different comfort levels but i can't wait to get underwater and start shooting some fish.....i have that new gopro camera i want to take down there and see what i can get as well..... goodluck in your adventures..

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Permalink Reply by Emily Coles on September 29, 2011 at 1:29pm

Hi Wassim. I got a PADI certification to dive when I was a teenager (already diabetic), and there was no problem getting it. That said, I haven't done it in 20 years because I got an unbearable headache the first time I went beyond 15m. At 20-40m you can still remove the regulator for a moment and put something else in your mouth if you need to, right? As long as you can do that, and are healthy in all other regards necessary for safe diving, I'd think it's okay for you. Seems important that your diving buddy knows you have diabetes, can read warning signs of low BG and knows what to do about it.

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Permalink Reply by wassim on September 29, 2011 at 10:32pm

Thanks to all for the replies...i guess its worth the risk

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Permalink Reply by SandyG on September 30, 2011 at 6:14am

I am a T1 and have gone on quite a few dives..with no problems. I just make sure that I am well fueled, and that my number is in the 140-160 range before I jump in the sea. I also have juice or some sort of fast acting sugar packed in my bag on the boat just in case. I dive with my hubby and we have a signal I would give if I ever felt that I was going low. In that case we would ascend and test and treat. I was very nervous the first time I dove after being diagnosed, but that fear went away very quickly. Just be prepared, listen to your body, and enjoy. Diabetes does not need to dictate our lives!! ☺

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Permalink Reply by Brian (bsc) on September 30, 2011 at 7:21am

There is no reason you can't go diving. Earlier this year I posted a comment on this topic and provided links to a good summary of the study finding that diabetics are safe diving and a summaryof the recommended diving guidelines.

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