Cannot test if a field is empty or not

[eluser]caperquy[/eluser]
Hello
I am implementing an application where I have to test if a field is empty or not. That field is defined within PhpMySQL as follows :
Field name : DIVERS
Type : varchar(80)
Interclassement : latin1_swedish_ci
Null : No (non)
Defaut : None (aucun)
There are cases where nothing has been put into the field. Nevertheless whenever I test that field in the controller using an instruction such as

Code:

if (empty($DIVERS))
    {
        echo "DIVERS empty<br />";
    }else{
        echo "DIVERS not empty<br />";
}

the Else part of the if condition is always executed.
The same occurs if I use is_null
Could someone give me a clue ? Thanks in advance.
CapErquy