Climber with diabetes on Aconcagua

Mountaineering in the Ande Mountaineer Andreas Hüsch: If you aim high, you need stamina and a good control of blood sugar.

"Climbing with diabetes requires stamina, special physical skills and a good physical feeling." Andreas Hüsch knows, what he is talking about: he has type 1 diabetes. Yet, Hüsch has just climbed the Aconcagua - with 6,962 meters the highest mountain in the Americas. His first big tour to one of the Seven Summits led him to an altitude of 6,600 meters - and therewith almost to the summit.

His achievement is an outstanding physical performance since mountaineering is one of the most physically demanding sports. The low oxygen content of the air, extreme temperature conditions and long hikes with heavy luggage push even healthy climbers to their physical limits. In addition to bypassing the enormous physical stress, athletes with diabetes must always control their blood sugar level. This works only through constant monitoring and self-management. "It's important to go slowly, to regularly measure blood sugar, to divide the forces and to always drink enough," explains Andreas Hüsch.

Mountaineering requires good preparation

Expeditions to the highest mountains in the world often take several weeks. Therefore, it is important to prepare well for such a trip. Besides a medical check-up, especially diabetes-patients have to prepare intensively. "Practice, practice, practice," advises Andreas Hüsch. "Without good basic endurance such a hike can't be managed."

Knowing the own body well and being able to assess the proper blood sugar level is essential for climbers with diabetes. Andreas Hüsch has found a trick that helps him keep control: "I always wear a clock pulse during mountaineering." If his pulse rises sharply under similar load, the rate can indicate a critical blood glucose level. The clock pulse is not a substitute for a blood glucose meter though: Andreas Hüsch still has to measure the blood glucose level regularly, on the mountain actually seven times instead of the usual five check-ups per day. Therefore, he needs a reliable blood glucose meter that is easy to use under extreme conditions and still provides highly accurate and reliable readings. And that is where HealthCare companies supports athletes like Andreas Hüsch. Besides an accurate glucometer, Andreas Hüsch needs great endurance and a strong will. With those components, he can make the nearly impossible possible - even with diabetes.