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To the instructors/divemasters out there..

What is your policy regarding insulin-dependent diabetic divers ? We 
all know that it is DEFINITELY not recommended (NAUI says it's a big 
no-no), but do you ever turn divers/ dive buddies away when you are 
all kitted up ready to dive and they start frantically looking for a 
Coca Cola for a sugar hit before they descend ? 

I have come across this scenario before, and the dive leader USUALLY 
backs down. While working in the Caribbean, we occasionally had 
honeymooners coming in to the shop to start their "tropical diving 
getaway", only to be told that one of the couple was medically unfit. 
Their disappointment is overwhelming, and it is a rare case that the 
store owner doesn't make "concessions". I have found similar 
reactions to asthma sufferers, although I understand that it is now a 
"relative contra-indication" instead of "absolute contra-indication", 
ie. the dive leader must take decisions on the client's medical 
fitness.

Is there a general rule, or is each case regarded separately ? I 
found the posting from Jason Shepherd very interesting - re: the 
confusion of glaucoma with diabetes, and the subsequent restriction 
on diabetic divers. Never heard that before, has anyone else ? Also, 
does having diabetes INCREASE the possibility of DCI ? I can't think 
of any reason why it should, so the complications arise mainly from 
the risk of passing out underwater, and/or confusing symptoms of DCI 
with diabetes.

The policy of sending clients to GP doctors is also a dubious one, as 
not many doctors have knowledge of the physiology associated with 
diving. Nine times out of ten, the doctor will declare the person fit 
to dive down to 10m - where the relative pressure gradient changes 
the most ! An asthma attack at 10m can be pretty bad news.

Any new thoughts ?                      
Bridget Elliott                             /\          /\
Department of Zoology                     / /\\    @@  //\ \
University of Port Elizabeth             ///\ \\ (())) //\\ \
Box 1600                                 ////\\ ((***))//\\ \ 
Port Elizabeth                           //    \ ((())/   \\  
South Africa                            /                  \
6000

fax   : +27-41 - 504 2317
voice : +27-41 - 504 2424
e-mail:ZLBBLE@ZO*.UP*.AC*.ZA*

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