Diabetic and extreme sportsman Geri Winkler

From the Dead Sea to Mount Everest

Geri Winkler

Geri Winkler, who suffers from type I diabetes, has cycled 7,600 kilometers from Jordan to Nepal and scaled the summit of Mount Everest. Normal blood glucose levels are vital for the diabetic adventurer.

Extreme sports and long-haul traveling – realizing a life’s dream despite diabetes

“You have diabetes”. For many people, hearing these words means that their lives are about to change drastically. More than eight million people in Germany already suffer from the metabolic disorder today, and this number is rising. For those affected, however, the diagnosis of diabetes no longer necessarily entails a life of limitations and check-ups. Medical progress has made it possible for patients to lead an active life.

Geri Winkler starts his journey at the Dead Sea

One example of this is Geri Winkler. He was 28 when he was told the diagnosis: type I diabetes – his body can no longer produce insulin, the hormone that is vital to metabolism. Extreme sports and long-haul journeys would be hardly worth contemplating. For the Austrian global traveler and outdoors fanatic, this news was a major shock. His doctors advised him to adopt a strict diet, undergo conventional treatment and exercise moderately. “In my previous life, I didn’t have much time for moderation. What I loved was constant variety. And now all that was supposed to be over,” remembers Winkler.

The mountaineer and marathon runner accepted the challenge: he informed himself about his options for the future. With willpower and iron discipline, he succeeded in bringing his metabolic disorder, which requires his utmost attention, into harmony with the realization of his ambitions. What’s more, the adventurer continues to subject himself to extreme physical challenges. He is aided in this mission by improved therapeutic options and modern measurement technology. The list of milestones in his life so far includes the Vienna marathon, a cycling tour of the Baltic States and a solo trek through the Sahara.

nEVEREST 9000+

Geri Winkler's itinerary takes in the following countries: Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India and Nepal. The second part of the journey started in Katmandu: the ascent of Mount Everest.

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Geri Winkler’s itinerary takes in the following countries: Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India and Nepal. The second part of the journey started in Katmandu: the ascent of Mount Everest.

Another major target for the 49-year-old was Mount Everest. The 29,035 feet (8,850 meter) mountain is the fourth of the seven highest peaks around the world that Winkler has already conquered. Only 80 mountaineers before him have climbed all seven mountains (Seven Summits). In order to give the whole project an extra kick, Winkler started his journey at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. He set off from there in October 2005 to cycle the approximately 4,700-mile (7,600 kilometers) journey to Katmandu. He then continued on foot to the “roof of the world”, climbing Mount Everest in the spring of 2006. In total, he had to overcome 30,366 feet (9,258 meters) in altitude.

You can accompany Geri Winkler on his adventure virtually at the Internet site http://www.ascensia.de/ (only in German), which features weekly updated reports and photos on the status of the expedition.

A reliable and precise blood glucose meter is essential

An expedition to the world's highest mountain takes several weeks. Mountaineers spend time acclimatizing at base camps before setting off on the final push to the summit, which can take seven days or more.

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An expedition to the world’s highest mountain takes several weeks. Mountaineers spend time acclimatizing at base camps before setting off on the final push to the summit, which can take seven days or more.

The preconditions for successfully completing his “Seven Summits” tour were endurance, willpower and a functional insulin therapy which allowded the diabetic a high degree of flexibility, because he could inject the insulin as required. This necessitates a reliable, precise metering device which the keen adventurer could use to check his blood glucose level even under extreme physical and climatic conditions.

A balanced glucose level is the be-all and end-all of successful diabetes management. Diabetics who regularly check their blood glucose levels are better able to cope with their metabolic disorder and can better avoid dangerous conditions such as diabetic coma. Secondary damage is also rarer in such individuals. Reliable, easy-to-operate blood glucose meters provide security. Geri Winkler agrees: “My metabolic disorder is certainly no reason to stop me from reaching further achievements.”

Dr. Wolf-Rüdiger Klare, diabetes expert

~~Sport & Diabetes~~

According to Dr. Wolf-Rüdiger Klare, a diabetes specialist and Vice Chairman of the “Diabetes & Sport” working group of the German Diabetes Society, there are no fundamental limits for diabetics in sport. Individuals should find out for themselves how their blood glucose levels react to exercise. Blood glucose levels should be measured before, if necessary also during and definitely after participating in sports. If sporting activity is planned, it is recommended that the insulin dosage be reduced. Consideration should be given to additional bread exchanges for sport if it is not possible or helpful to adapt the insulin dosage. In any case, diabetics should always keep a supply of glucose with them and inform their fellow participants about the risk of low sugar, as well as possible countermeasures.