Can I dive with Diabetes?

Table 1: Guidelines for Recreational Diving with Diabetes - Summary Form
Selection and Surveillance

Age ≥18 years (≥16 years if in special training program) Delay diving after start/change in medication Three (3) months with oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) One (1) year after initiation of insulin therapy No episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia requiring intervention from a third party for at least one year No history of hypoglycemia unawareness HbA1c ≤9% no more than one month prior to initial assessment and at each annual review – values >9% indicate the need for further evaluation and possible modification of therapy No significant secondary complications from diabetes Physician/Diabetologist should carry out annual review and determine that diver has good understanding of disease and effect of exercise – in consultation with an expert in diving medicine, as required Evaluation for silent ischemia for candidates >40 years of age – after initial evaluation, periodic surveillance for silent ischemia can be in accordance with accepted local/national guidelines for the evaluation of diabetics Candidate documents intent to follow protocol for divers with diabetes and to cease diving and seek medical review for any adverse events during diving possibly related to diabetes Scope of Diving Diving should be planned to avoid: depths >100 fsw (30 msw) durations >60 minutes compulsory decompression stops overhead environments (e.g., cave, wreck penetration) situations that may exacerbate hypoglycemia (e.g., prolonged cold and arduous dives) dive buddy/leader informed of diver’s condition and steps to follow in case of problem dive buddy should not have diabetes Glucose Management on the Day of Diving general self-assessment of fitness to dive blood glucose (BG) ≥150 mg·dL-1 (8.3 mmol·L-1), stable or rising, before entering the water, complete a minimum of three pre-dive BG tests to evaluate trends: 60 minutes, 30 minutes and immediately prior to diving alterations in dosage of OHA or insulin on evening prior or day of diving may help Delay dive if BG is: <150> >300 mg·dL-1 (16.7 mmol·L-1) Rescue medications carry readily accessible oral glucose during all dives have parenteral glucagon available at the surface if hypoglycemia noticed underwater, the diver should surface (with buddy), establish positive buoyancy, ingest glucose and leave the water check blood sugar frequently for 12-15 hours after diving ensure adequate hydration on days of diving log all dives (include BG test results and all information pertinent to diabetes management)

Thanks to Safe Diving for this!

Thailand - Free long stay Visas until 2010

Get a fee-free Thailand visa until 2010

In an effort to help encourage Thailand’s travel and tourism industry, the Royal Thai Government has agreed to extend the exemption of the Thailand visa fee for tourist visa applications until 4 March 2010.

The exemption will apply to all applicants for a Thailand visa on arrival at all international airports in Thailand as well as those applying at Thai embassies and consulates abroad for stays longer than the period for which they are normally eligible.

Thailand currently gives a Visa on Arrival for citizens of 20 countries for a stay not exceeding 15 days. Citizens of another 42 countries are allowed a visa-free stay in Thailand not over 30 days.

Visitors who wish to stay longer than those periods have to apply for Thailand visas at the Thai embassies or diplomatic missions abroad before their arrival in the country.

The extension is one of several measures taken by the Thailand tourism industry to invigorate itself after a number of global and local events that have led to a temporary drop in visitor arrivals.

TAT Chairman, Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat says, “As a result of the global economic downturn, the worldwide travel and tourism sector has declined as people have become more cautious about spending on leisure and business travel. Hence, the government has implemented many measures to enhance Thailand’s competitive advantage and strengthen our country’s unique qualities.”

This offers a great opportunity to sign up for a 60 or 90 day visa. Stay in Thailand longer, do a Similan Liveaboard or even consider doing your Instructor Training!