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.

The next major target for the 49-year-old is Mount Everest. The 29,035 feet (8,850 meter) mountain will be the fourth of the seven highest peaks on all continents that Winkler has already conquered. Only 80 mountaineers before him have climbed all seven peaks. In order to give the expedition a special “kick”, Winkler plans to start his journey at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. From there, he will cycle around 4,700 miles (7,600 kilometers) to Kathmandu. He will then continue on foot to the “top of the world”. In total, he must overcome 30,366 feet (9,258 meters) in altitude. If he manages this achievement, Winkler will not only be the first diabetic but also the first person in history to climb a 30,000-footer.

Viewers can virtually accompany Geri Winkler on his adventure at www.ascensia.de. This Internet website provides weekly updated reports with photographs showing the expedition status.

The preconditions for successfully completing his “Seven Summits” tour are endurance, willpower and a functional insulin therapy which allows the diabetic a high degree of flexibility, allowing him to inject the insulin as required. This necessitates a reliable, precise metering device which the keen adventurer can use to check his blood glucose level even under extreme physical and climatic conditions. On his previous expeditions, Winkler tested glucose metering devices from Bayer HealthCare's Ascensia® range and intends to use them on the forthcoming trip as well. After all, they have never let him down yet, and they are easy to use. For example, there is no need to manually code the devices when breaking open a new pack of test strips. Winkler therefore doesn't have to remember to re-enter the code. Reliable measurement findings are vital for his health, after all.

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.”

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.