Under the guidance and watchful eye of doctors and experienced mountaineers, the patients of Dr hab. Tomasz Klupa, prof. UJ are reaching the summits of various mountains. Their actions prove that type 1 diabetes can be overcome: they have already climbed two in Gorce and the Alps. Next year, they plan to take on the 5,137-metre high Mount Ararat in Turkey.
The aim of the project is to research the behaviour of type 1 diabetes patients' organisms during strenuous physical activity at high altitudes. The scientists want to determine the ways in which people affected by this illness could safely engage in sports, trekking, mountaineering etc.
The idea was conceived by Dr hab. Tomasz Klupa, prof. UJ from the University Hospital in Kraków Clinic of Metabolic Diseases. Together with Wojciech Wiltos, a globetrotter and mountaineer, they organised a team of doctors and patients who now prepare to climb a 5000-metre high mountain.
The project began last year and is realised in stages. The first one was a 42-kilometre trek in Gorce Mountains. None of the patients had any issues with blood sugar concentration. the next stage was a survival camp, also in Gorce, which was aimed to educate the participants about mountain climbing and camping. The last stage took place in the Alps, where the group put their skills to the test by climbing a 3000-metre high mountain.
"Our project is a message to all diabetics: even is you suffer from type 1 diabetes, all is not lost. We'd also like to show the medical community that doctors should encourage patients to be physically active," said Dr hab. Tomasz Klups, prof. UJ.
The last stage of the project will take place in June/July 2016. The group will most likely climb Mount Ararat in turkey. They will describe their journey in a special guide for diabetics.
