Can I dive if I have diabetes?

There are plenty of divers who have diabetes and many have been diving for years with no ill effects or accidents.  However, thought needs to be given to diving with diabetes because the biggest concern is the severity of the diabetes.  Diabetes, when severe, can increase the risk of heart disease and it can affect other organs, such as the kidneys and eyes.  Those with diabetes who take insulin have a more severe form than those who control their diabetes with diet or oral medication and that means that they have an increased risk while diving.  The primary risk of diabetes when diving is that of having an insulin reaction underwater.  An insulin reaction can cause mild sweating or dizziness or even a coma and if it happens underwater, it can be fatal.  Divers who have diabetes should discuss diving with their doctor and base their decision to dive on the potential risk of an insulin reaction underwater as well as the severity of the diabetes and their overall level of fitness and health.