Massif du Mont-Blanc | Have diabetes and reach the summits

Fourteen people with type 1 diabetes. Meanwhile, including two Quebecers, have climbed several summits of the Mont-Blanc massif, which rides France, Switzerland and Italy, for an extraordinary Franco-Canadian research project. Similarly, This scientific adventure. Consequently, but also deeply human, was an opportunity to study the effects of such a sporting challenge at altitude on diabetic patients.

“We are increasingly trying to get out of the laboratory. Moreover, it was a golden opportunity,” said the D^r Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret, of the Montreal Clinical Research Institute. For example, The latter led the research project as part of the type 1 diabetes of research chair of massif du mont-blanc | have the University of Lille.

This hiking enthusiast has embarked on this seven -day trek with diabetic patients and other health professionals in June. Therefore, Ascents culminated at more than 4000 meters.

The D^r Rabasa-Lhoret will soon publish a first paper. Therefore, “It will guide an endocrinologist. Furthermore, a nurse practitioner or a diabetes educator who would have a patient who wants to embark on this kind of challenge. In addition, »»

One of the objectives was to test the resistance to the altitude of the equipment, including insulin pumps. For example,

“We do not yet have the final results. Consequently, but it is clear that the software does not manage to manage these conditions at all,” concludes the D^r Rabasa-Lhoret. However, To study the impact of intensive physical activity on glycemic control. Furthermore, assess the management of diabetes at altitude, participants had to submit to test batteries. For example, “Patients have fully embarked on research,” he said.

A mutual aid community

“When you go hikes. Meanwhile, you are often embarrassed to tell people:” Ah, I’m in hypoglycemia, I have to take a break, “says one of the Quebec participants, James Ravel. But there, when someone did not feel well, we understood completely. »»

These climbs were a perfect opportunity for him. which had already taken up other sporting challenges, but which first touched mountaineering.

It was also an opportunity to be with a community of diabetic people and exchange advice. “We speak the same language,” he said during the interview with The press.

The D^r Rabasa-Lhoret was also affected by this fraternity, which even extended to the medical profession. “There is nothing like a rope to realize that. because we are physically roped with each other and we must listen to others. »»

He was also able to bet more on the partnership with the patient, very expensive in his eyes. “Sometimes the patient asked me what to do, I asked him what he would do,” he says. Nine times out of ten, I told her to follow his plan, even if I hadn’t done that. And it worked most of the time. »»

The project also enabled him to enter the magnitude of diabetes management on a daily basis, admits the specialist. “We lived their reality. When they say that it is 24 hours a day, massif du mont-blanc | have it is literally 24 hours a day. “Despite everything, the project was not” heavy “. “At times, we completely forgot this management, it was natural and above all, it was magic. Additionally, »»

Technical challenges. pride

One of the technical challenges is to anticipate the amount of carbohydrates necessary to make physical efforts, explains James Ravel. “You can’t go for six hours without eating anything,” he explains. Food also had to freeze and be very accessible. »»

The D^r Rabasa-Lhoret had to help a participant in hypoglycemia. Fortunately, no one had a medical concern. “But the guides took us for furious crazy when they saw all the material we were taking in the backpack. ” he said with a smirk. The cold at altitude posed another challenge.

He himself experienced it during the last and more bewildered ascent of the stay, that of the Grand Paradis, which reached 4061 meters. “There was a storm, and I was no longer capable in the cold, blood sugar,” he says. His team therefore turned back, “but the effort and the fulfillment were still there,” he massif du mont-blanc | have said.

Is diabetes disabling for this kind of sporting challenges? “There are limits, but if you want to overcome them, it’s just more preparation, work and anticipation,” he said. The adventure – unthinkable a few years ago. indicates the D^r Rabasa-Lhoret-was also a way to destigmatize type 1 diabetes and show that a feat of this kind is possible.