Diabetic teen makes it to Machu Picchu

Continuing its commitment to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes (T1D) Global leader in Diabetes, Sanofi, in partnership with World Diabetes Tour (WDT), announced that Type 1 diabetic Eshaan Shevate from India will be participating to the new ‘Type 1 Diabetes Challenge’ to Machu Picchu’, Peru.

An 19-year-old engineering student from Pune, Eshaan is the youngest member of a 12-strong international team (10 of whom have type 1 diabetes) that will trek from July 20 to 25 along the famous Salkantay route from the city of Cusco, to reach the legendary ancient Inca settlement Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Representing eight countries across four continents, together they aim to demonstrate a positive attitude to type 1 diabetes, and show the global type 1 diabetes community that by striving for control of their diabetes, they can dare to dream.

Eshaan was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 12. Since then, despite a host of challenges he has lived a happy, normal life. He loves to swim, skate and play hockey. He has represented Pune at state level swimming competitions and won a gold medal in skating at district level.

Eshaan’s doctor Dr Abhay A Mutha, Consultant Diabetologist and President of Diabetes Care and Research Foundation, Pune, says that “Type 1 Diabetes is a serious problem in our country. With more people being diagnosed at a younger age, they are faced with the prospect of dealing with the condition and its complications earlier and for more of their lifetime. We need to support promising Type 1 diabetic children and give them complete care like giving insulin, education, hospitalisation and all investigations till they turn 18. Eshaan is one of the children who we support. When Eshaan initially came to us, his family and he were very shattered with this diagnosis and we had lost all hope. Today, he is managing very well. I am delighted and very proud to share that his diabetes is well under control and his good track record in sports, have enabled his selection for this unique initiative.”

“By participating in this expedition, I want to spread a positive example showing that even when a challenge is difficult, with the right preparation and good knowledge of the body’s dietary and physical needs, it is possible to control type 1 diabetes and open the door to a life full of possibilities,” added Eshaan Shevate.

From a variety of different backgrounds, ages and trekking experience, the team members will walk for over eight hours a day through the high jungle habitat of the Andes, travelling more than 70 kilometers to reach their goal. Managing their diabetes under these circumstances is only one of the challenges this team will face. In addition to arduous terrain and cold temperatures, they will reach altitudes of up to 4,600 meters on route to their destination, exposing them to the risk of altitude sickness. They will have to deal with this on a day-to-day basis, while also managing their diabetes to maintain blood glucose control. ‘To catch the team’s day to day progress towards Machu Picchu, follow them @T1DChallenge on Twitter.’