Diabetes is a disease that affects the body's ability to process insulin correctly. When the body doesn't correctly process insulin it can affect the amount of sugar in the blood. Low blood sugar is a common side effect of diabetes medication. Low blood sugar can cause sweating, rapid heartbeat, confusion, unconsciousness, and even death in certain cases. This used to be reason enough to not allow divers with diabetes to explore the underwater world.
More recently, doctors are beginning to realize that there are some ways to still allow people diagnosed with diabetes to enjoy the sport with restrictions. For safety, some common restrictions are frequent check-ups with a physician familiar with you, and carrying oral glucose with them and their dive buddy. Any diver diagnosed with diabetes is encouraged to see a doctor familiar with dive medicine and diabetes.
More recently, doctors are beginning to realize that there are some ways to still allow people diagnosed with diabetes to enjoy the sport with restrictions. For safety, some common restrictions are frequent check-ups with a physician familiar with you, and carrying oral glucose with them and their dive buddy. Any diver diagnosed with diabetes is encouraged to see a doctor familiar with dive medicine and diabetes.
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