IMCA - Diver reports unwell post-dive non-decompression illness

What happened?

The incident occurred after the 50 year old diver undertook a dive to 87 feet with a bottom time of 31 minutes. The diver was decompressed on a USN rev 7. 90/33 'freetime dive’ and reported well upon surfacing. About one hour later, on deck, the diver called out for attention reporting extreme nausea and dizziness.

What was the response?

The diver was immediately recompressed in the chamber on a USN treatment table 6 as per company procedure with a Diver Medic Technician (DMT) with him in attendance. The DMT performed a full physiological and neurological examination and blood sugar levels were taken as a precautionary measure. The diver’s blood sugar levels were observed to be dangerously high.

A hyperbaric physician was contacted and following their advice, decompression illness was ruled out and hyperglycemia was suspected, as the examination pointed towards a diabetic response. Treatment table was switched to a Table 5 to reduce chamber time so that the diver could have his blood sugar levels brought under control at the earliest opportunity.

After 90 minutes the diver and DMT were able to leave the chamber. The diver was evacuated ashore for further medical attention.

What was the problem?

It was later reported that the diver had an unreported diabetic condition for which he was not taking any traditional therapy for but was seeking alternative natural methods.

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