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Go Where Few Diabetics Have Gone Before

Climbing Mount Aconcagua Is Only Half The Battle

MADISON, Wis., Updated 11:08 a.m. EST December 27, 2000 -- Diabetes doesn't have to stand in the way of leading an incredible and active life. The proof?

Tuesday morning several Madison men left on a plane for Argentina. Their mission: Go where few diabetics have gone before -- Mount Aconcagua.

Mountain At 22,834 feet, it's the highest peak in the western hemisphere, and getting to its summit is no easy feat.

But members of the International Diabetic Expedition to Aconcagua, which includes climbers from Colorado, Washington, Virginia and overseas, have waited two years for the challenge.

"If you're not all that familiar with the terrain of Wisconsin, there's not a lot of 14,000-foot peaks," climber Jay Handy said.

The four Madison members of IDEA 2000 have spent hundreds of hours on the Stairmaster, hiking and cross country skiing, trying to simulate the climb.

In a sense, they've been training for two climbs -- one is up the mountain and the other for Handy and David Panofsky is controlling their Type I diabetes.

And doing it in an atmosphere where little is known what effect altitude may have on their blood sugar will be a challenge.

Mark "This is a large group of people with a chronic illness," team doctor Mark Timmerman (pictured) said. "They all know to take care of it. Still for even non-diabetic people, it can be a very dangerous endeavor."

The team is also using the climb to raise money for three charities that provide diabetic supplies and education to areas of Latin America, where care is inadequate.

"I'm really excited to the join group -- honored and optimistic it'll raise awareness about diabetes and plight of some diabetics in the world to the position some can get the care the need," climber Bob Manwell said.

Here at home, the climbers offer hope to others who face the challenge of living with diabetes every day.

"It's what we as athletes and as climbers should be doing," Panofsky said. "If you're taking care of yourself, taking insulin and keeping active eating a good diet you can do anything."

More Information:

We'll update you on their climb in a couple weeks. If you'd like to check it out yourself, click onto IDEA2000.org for more on the expedition, where the other climbers are from, photos or information on how you can donate to their cause.