Need diving MD's advice

[Cliff Etzel]

My girlfriend is very interested in freediving.

The challenge is that she has Type 1 diabetes which she manages VERY well. Although she likes the simplicity of freediving, she seems to think (without accurate information) that scuba would be safer for her as compared to freediving.

Since the majority of MD's aren't serious divers, finding accurate information on this issue so far has led to nothing.

Add to that virtually none freediv e and it only adds to the dilemma. I need to find a serious diving MD who can respond to this question.

According to Aharon Soloman, freediving would be far safer than Scuba due to gas absorption issues. But The information is still sketchy.

Any MD's who can give insight to this issue?

TIA,

 

[Adrian]

Hi Cliff,
I can't give any advice at all as I'm not an MD but there is an angle she might be interested in, that one does more excersize during freediving than during scuba, and that's always good for controlling diabetes.

 

[bjpete]

Hi Cliff, I'm not an MD either but am a retired Navy Medic and I have taken care of some individuals who are insulin dependent diabetics. While it's true that many people with diabetes can live almost normal lives, they still have to be mindful of that fact that they can insulin reaction if they're not careful. My 2 cents worth is that your girlfriend keep a close eye on her blood sugar levels especially while underwater. For example if she hasn't eaten enough prior to a dive, the increase activity level or the colder water could result in a more rapid consumption of calories and she could suddenly experience a sharp decrease in her blood suger leading to a decrease in her level of consciousness. With certain types of activities with freediving being no exception a diabetic has to be very meticulous with eating properly before an activity, making sure of their insulin dosage, blood sugar levels, their level of how do they feel (some illnesses have lead to a drop in blood sugar), having a source of glucose readily available if they have an insulin reaction, and so forth. I'm quite sure that nobody wants to be underwater and experiences a loss of consciousness. I hope this doesn't scare you, but I do hope it helps answers a few questions.

Brian

 

[Polorutz]

contact DAN, Im' 100% positive they can answer any medical questions you have.