Diabetic reaches mountaintops

By Debra Melani, News Staff Writer

The Breckenridge resident has been backpacking "since I was in the backpack," is an avid skier, runner, soccer player, mountain biker, climber -- the list goes on.

Name: Lisa Seaman Age: 25 Occupation: Marketing and special events coordinator for the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center Residence: Breckenridge

So when doctors told her at age 20 that she had diabetes and would have to give up her sports, she rebelled. Vehemently.

Since then, she has volunteered much of her time to informing fellow diabetics that they can do whatever they want to do. Last month, she reached the summit of Cerro Aconcagua in Argentina, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, with seven other diabetics.

The goal of the group, all members of IDEA 2000, which collects money and supplies to help those with the disease, was to make a statement and to aid diabetics in Latin America.

How did you learn you were diabetic? "I was playing Division I soccer in college and was extremely busy and worn out. I kept just putting it off and not really knowing what was going."

Seaman, now 25, was not aware that she was experiencing classic signs of diabetes, such as extreme hunger and thirst with rapid weight loss. But at 5 foot 8 inches, losing 20 of her 135 pounds in three weeks was a terrifying wake-up call, she said.

"I came home for Christmas and went to the hospital to get checked out." She was promptly checked in.

Doctors told her she had Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that prevents the body from producing enough insulin to keep blood-sugar levels balanced. There is no cure, but as Seaman soon learned, the disorder can be managed effectively.

"It definitely has to do with where you go to get treatment," Seaman said, strongly advising that diabetics see specialists. She now is treated at University Hospital in Denver.

What was the hardest part for you coming to grips with your disease?

"It's not like a broken leg. It's not going to go away. There are a lot of promising outlooks for a cure, but in the meantime, it's something that you have to manage."

What do you think is the biggest public misperception about diabetes?

"I'd say that the general public has the concept that you can't eat whatever you want, but with the intense insulin therapy you have today, you can. You need to eat healthfully, but a person with diabetes can drink a can of pop. I just have to know how much sugar I'm eating and give the right amount of insulin."

What are the unusual challenges a diabetic faces when doing something like a mountain bike race?

"I always check my blood sugar before to make sure I'm at a good starting level. If you're racing, you don't stop and check your blood sugar, which I would do on a training ride about every 45 minutes. And you can't afford to go low, because you would be out of the race. It takes about 15 minutes to get back up to par."

So Seaman uses fast-acting sugar during races and is extremely careful. "It's also harder to recognize a low when you are doing intense sports. It's not like when I'm sitting at my desk and my hands start shaking."

What about a mountain-climbing expedition?

"It can be dangerous, especially in cold, high-altitude situations. You need to be very careful, because you can't afford to sit still and wait for 15 minutes because you increase your risk for hypothermia."

Why don't you just decide it's not worth the trouble and give up sports?

"I was an athlete before I was a diabetic. To me, it's worth it to manage my diabetes instead of letting my diabetes dictate what I can do."

Additionally, exercise can help keep blood-sugar levels stable, she said.

What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?

"I'd say this (IDEA 2000) project was by far the most far-reaching thing I've done. We were able to help people in another country who aren't as lucky as us."

I understand you were also helping with a research project.

"It was to measure the effects of altitude on blood sugar. So we gathered data between 10 and 12 times a day," she said, on diets and altitude, blood pressure, exercise and pulse levels.

Seaman said the results could be helpful for diabetic climbers or even travelers who go from sea level to the Rocky Mountains.

If you know someone who has overcome obstacles to achieve a personal health or fitness goal, send suggestions to Debra Melani via e-mail at melanid@RockyMountainNews.com, fax at (303) 892-5407 or mail at 400 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80204.

February 13, 2001