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Mark DembDembert; Julian F. Keith III, MD
Department of Preventive Medicine Navy Environmental Health Center Norfolk, VA 23508

Am J Dis Child. 1987;141(6):605-606.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

In Reply.—The points raised by Brouhard et al regarding our recommendation not allowing a person with IDDM to dive are well taken. We fully agree that the patient with IDDM should be allowed to lead as normal a life-stylele, including most sports. However, we believe that it is not prudent to allow these patients to participate in scuba diving, for the following reasons:

1. In contrast to land-based the undersea environment is unpredictable and unforgiving, with sudden changes in temperature, current, and surface conditions; there is also the potential to encounter marine animals and for equipment to fail. Diving partners should be equally healthy, physically fit and responsible; each should have the physical and mental stamina required to cope with dangerous situations. A diver should not be present to "watch out" for a partner who has a disease or disorder that can be exacerbated underwater.
   
2. Adiver cannot predict that any dive will be without problems. The above characteristics
   

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