Goal achieved: First diabetic conquered Seven Summits
Geri Winkler is the first diabetic and the third Austrian to climb the Seven Summits. Particularly the various climes and landscapes in which the summits are located appealed to the globetrotter. In 2001, Winkler set out to climb Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus mountain range, which is 5,640 meters high. One after another, he crested the highest summit of each of the seven continents: He conquered the Aconcagua in the South American Andes (22,834 ft; 6,960 meters), Mount Vinson in the Antarctic (16,066 ft; 4,897 meters), the Kilimanjaro in Africa (19,340 ft; 5,895 meters), the Mount Everest in the Himalaya range in Asia (29,035 ft; 8,850 meters), the so-called Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania (16,024 ft; 4,884 meters) and now in a final step Mount McKinley in North America (20,321 ft; 6,194 meters).
top of pageThe Seven Summits – a mountaineer’s goal
Mount Everest, whose Nepalese name Sagarmatha means “forehead in the sky”, was the biggest mountaineering challenge for the athletic summiteer. He was also the first diabetic to climb the “roof of the world”. However, the ascent to the highest mountain on earth was not enough for Winkler: On his tour from the banks of the Dead Sea to the peak of Mount Everest, he overcame more than 30,366 feet (9,000 meters) in altitude. Now the diabetic reached his goal, the Seven Summits, with the successful expedition to the peak of Mount McKinley. The highest mountain of North America also has a high level of difficulty. Because of its geographic position close to the polar circle, Mount McKinley is often exposed to strong winds, the so-called jet streams. In addition, it has a daunting difference in elevation: The more than 20,000 feet (6,000 meters) extend over a distance of less than 50 kilometers. The mountain is also known under the name of Denali, meaning “The Great One” in the Athabaskan language family of the Native Americans.
top of pageBlood glucose level under control
The type-1-diabetic is not at all inhibited because of his chronic disease. He leads an active life. Fitness, stamina, and discipline help him to keep his blood glucose level under control. Administering the hormone as required, he relies on the functional insulin therapy and on a reliable and precise monitoring system by Bayer that is good for ten tests after inserting the sensor disc. Good usability is also an important prerequisite for the use under extreme conditions. Reliable test results are vital, since the insulin dosage depends upon the measurement. The injection of either too much insulin or an insufficient dose may entail serious consequences. Winkler’s monitoring system has already proved of value both in the desert and on icy peaks. The particular advantage: After inserting a sensor disc, the system is ready for ten tests. The handling with test strips for single use is not required anymore. Another advantage of Bayer’s monitoring systems: They do not have to be encoded.
top of pageWorld tours and athletic goals as elixir of life
Extraordinary athletic activities and travels are the air the adventurer breathes. It seems as if his diabetes were a sort of inducement for him to aim for new goals. Yet Winkler’s numerous expeditions to mountain regions are not the only challenges he meets. Winkler loves variety and adventure: He already ventured on extensive bicycle tours through the desert and through the Baltic states, ran marathons and undertook solo treks through the Sahara and the rainforest. In addition, extended world tours as well as paragliding and scuba diving are an elixir of life for the adventurous Austrian.
Advice for patients
Every body reacts differently to medicines. Therefore it is impossible to tell which medicine works best for you. Please consult your physician or pharmacist.