The story of SCUBA DIABETES Suisse / Svizzera / Schweiz draws inspiration from the pioneering journey of the Italian association Diabete Sommerso ODV, which has been committed for many years to enabling people living with diabetes to practice scuba diving in complete safety.
The project was born in 2004 within the Diabetology department of Niguarda Hospital, under the leadership of Professor Matteo Bonomo, with the development of the first studies dedicated to scuba diving activity in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus. This initiative led, in 2011, to the founding of the Diabete Sommerso ODV association.
The Origins of the Name
At a time when type 1 diabetes was still often considered incompatible with scuba diving, many divers with diabetes preferred not to disclose their condition to avoid restrictions or the risk of being denied the opportunity to pursue their passion.
It is in this context that the name Diabete Sommerso was born, a term with a dual meaning:
- hidden diabetes;
- the underwater world.
Thanks to advances in medical research, therapeutic education, and safety protocols, scuba diving is now recognized as accessible to people with diabetes, provided appropriate and safe conditions are met.
The Birth of SCUBA DIABETES Switzerland
SCUBA DIABETES Switzerland continues this legacy by developing, within a Swiss and multicultural context, an approach based on:
- safety;
- education;
- inclusion;
- sharing experiences.
The term SCUBA DIABETES was chosen for its international reach:
- SCUBA represents scuba diving with self-contained breathing apparatus;
- DIABETES symbolizes commitment, awareness, and consciousness in managing the diabetic condition, a reality that can now coexist with the safe practice of scuba diving.
Our association exists in three linguistic denominations:
- SCUBA DIABETES Suisse
- SCUBA DIABETES Svizzera
- SCUBA DIABETES Schweiz
Our message is simple:
diabetes should no longer be an obstacle or something to hide, but a reality to be lived with awareness, responsibility, and safety, even underwater.
The Logo: Identity and Continuity
The first historic logo represented the initials DS in the form of a stylized seahorse, a symbol of the connection between diabetes and the marine world, created from the idea of some founding members.
The new logo of SCUBA DIABETES Switzerland, designed by architect Ivan Lanzoni, preserves this heritage while asserting a strong Swiss identity through the integration of the white cross on a red background.
The SDS symbol now represents:
a common mission serving divers living with diabetes.
continuity;
innovation;