An international group of 10 climbers with diabetes has announced they
will climb the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere - Cerro Aconcagua
in Argentina. The climbing team, which will make their attempt in December
2000, is called IDEA 2000 - short for International Diabetes Expedition
to Aconcagua in 2000. The tough climb will be made a bit easier, thanks
to MiniMed's 507C pump.
Todd Clare and David Panofsky, the organizers of the climb, both wear MiniMed pumps and credit it with giving them the flexibility and freedom to take on such an extreme challenge.
"The pump will play a big part in making this a successful climb. It gives me the precise control I need to manage my diabetes in ways that are impossible with traditional injections," Clare says. "The pump gives me the freedom to take on challenges like this."
"Living an active, rewarding life is about flexibility and finding ways to do the things you care about," says Panofsky. "With the pump, we can more easily and safely manage the changing insulin requirements that go with strenuous exercise."
Panofsky, a mountaineer with experience at altitudes over 20,000 feet, is confident that he and the team can meet the challenges of the climb.
"We're doing this to show the world that people with diabetes are not frail people who must live limited lives. We are taking on this extreme challenge to help others see all that is possible through managing the disease effectively." Clare also wants the climb to inspire others with diabetes to take practical steps to improve their well-being. "There are ways to enjoy a flexible, rewarding life with diabetes. For me, several blood glucose tests a day and learning how to use an insulin pump have given me enormous freedom from worry."
Managing their diabetes will be just one of the challenges facing the IDEA 2000 crew. The climb they are making is an ambitious one. At 22,834 feet (6959.6 meters), Aconcagua poses a formidable challenge. Reaching the peak will take approximately 20 days and more than 100 climbing hours. The last day of the climb will represent a triumph over physical obstacles - and a triumph over the fears and limitations many people with diabetes live with every day.
As part of their mission, IDEA 2000 has pledged to raise more than $2
million for diabetes education and research. A majority of the money will
go to areas in Latin America that lack basic medication, supplies and education
materials.
Published in the MiniMed Newsletter Summer '99 Vol 2.