Climbing Kilimanjaro
By HeatherS-E - Posted on June 3rd, 2011
Hi,
I have been recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, after having signed up to climb kilimanjaro as part of charity challenge. I am climbing in mid October 2011. I have been doing some training and plan to really pick up the pace of my trianing in the coming months. I am really seeking any advice about how to deal with my diabetes whilst on the climb and ways to prepare myself. As i have only recently been diagnosed I am a little apprehensive about this trip. So any advice would be really helpful.
Thanks Louise for replying.
Also see this: http://www.diabetic.friendsinhighplaces.org/trip-kilimanjaro-0
Have a great trip, dp
Thanks for all the great advice, this will be very helpful on my trip and the preparation for it. However I consulted my doctor the other day and he was against me going. He suggested that there were difficulties with regards to hygiene that would cause smaller health problems. Furthermore he was concerned that there would not be a Doctor on the trek, nor helicopter evacuation plan. However i have spoken to the charity challenge doctor who has completed kilimanjaro with may diabetics and said that if i were very disciplined with my eating and insulin doses then i should be ok.
Another question for you all... as I am newly diabetic I am on nova rapid and lantus insulin pens. Those of you who have a pump what are the advantages of having a pump? Would you recommend that i look into getting one for my trek?
Thanks for your help and great suggestions!
HSE
Hi again, Heather,
Since no one else has replied to your last post, I hope you don't mind me responding again.
Re: changing to an insulin pump for Kilimanjaro? I really like the insulin pump. It gives me greater control. I can give myself very small doses (boluses) of insulin and as it is always with me. If plans change and I eat at a different time / place than planned, there is no problem - whereas when on injections, I didn't necessarily have my insulin with me. However, as for changing for / prior to the trip, my advice is; go with what you are most familiar with. If you are able to switch and become very comfortable with a pump in advance of your departure, do so, but go with what you are most comfortable and familiar with.
Re: your doctor's concerns and advice to cancel the trip. I strongly disagree! Of course, health concerns may arise, but this is the case with every climber, not just those with diabetes. On the trek, you cannot have a shower every day, but we were supplied with plenty of water for washing and boiled water for drinking. Use your discretion and keep your diabetic supplies in 'clean' packaging. In the unlikely event that evacuation is needed, the guides will be able to deal with this. My suspicion is that this doctor has not travelled very much! From experience travelling in Asia, Africa, South America (and not in 'five star' accomodation), ski touring and scuba diving, to mention some activities, I concur with the Charity Doctor's comment that if you pay more attention than your fellow travellers have to, as to how you feel, and test your blood sugar frequently for good control, diabetes will not stop you from lots of exciting adventures!
Go for it and have a great time!
Louise
Hi Heather,
I, too, have Type 1 diabetes, and summited Kilimanjaro in 2009, via the Machame route. I use an insulin pump, but took sringes and appropriate insulin with me as a back-up. I would recommend taking twice what you intend to actually use - just in case!
Although I have no diabetic retinopathy, upon the doctor's recommendation I had a dilated pupil examination before I left, to insure I was at no greater risk for High Altitude Retinal Hemorrhaging. Due to the reports of acetazolamide (Diamox) potentially increasing the risk of ketoacidosis, I was reluctant to take this unless I began to feel the effects of altitude sickness. Instead, I opted to take 1200 mg of Ibuprofen daily, beginning on the second day when we reached 3847 meters (12,621 ft.), as there is some anecdotal evidence it may help prevent AMS. I was fortunate not to suffer from any problems with acclimatization. (I made sure I was very well hydrated - which I believe is helpful.)
I carried dextrose tablets in my day pack and had a supply of other snacks as well. Although there is evidence that the accuracy and reliability of BG meters are affected by cold and altitude, I trusted my meters and how I felt. If my BG did rise a bit high after eating (they feed you well), hiking soon brought it down and my blood glucose was ok by the end of the day's hike.
As the temperature dropped, I insured my BG meter and insulin were well protected in the pack during the day and I put them into my sleeping bag to keep them warmer overnight. (If my meter gave an error reading due to the cold, I warmed it by putting it under my arm, inside my clothing.)
I hope my experience will give you some confidence and a bit of help. I'm sure you will have a great trek and all will go well!
Hello Heather,
Make sure your training exposes you to similar conditions to those found at Kili; temperature, altitute, speed, load, etc. Find out how long the guides will have you hike during the day and then train towards that goal (plus 1-2 hours more). Select and train with the gear you will use at Kili. While training under different conditions, monitor body responses after feeding. I hear the hike down is tough on the knees because the guides tend to pick it up a little; heads up on that. Look-up Kilimanjaro blogs and examine as many pics as possible. Read about folks' experience out there. Gaining plenty of knowledge about the trek, the country and everything else will make you feel more at ease; thus, helping with the sugar count some.
Congrats!!
jd