A man with type 1 diabetes is using a cutting-edge environmental chamber to help him prepare for a charity hike to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Personal trainer Gordon Hill, from Waterfoot in the south side of Glasgow, will use the facility at the University of the West of Scotland’s Lanarkshire campus ahead of climbing the mountain in Tanzania, raising funds for Diabetes UK.

The chamber replicates environmental extremes - from walking in the desert to climbing the highest mountain in the world - will allow Gordon to train at an altitude of up to 5,895m, which is the equivalent of the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body produces little to no insulin, requiring lifelong insulin therapy to manage blood sugar levels.

Climbing at altitude can present extra challenges for those with the condition, as intense exertion and physical stress can cause blood sugar levels to drop or rise, making monitoring and planning important.

Gordon will train on a treadmill at altitude during a series of sessions which will help him begin to acclimatise and prepare for the hike, scheduled to take place in September.

Meanwhile, it is hoped the training will help UWS researchers in learning more about the specific needs of people with type 1 diabetes when they are challenged at altitude.

Gordon said: “Living with diabetes is a daily challenge which requires constant monitoring - from what you can eat to what exercise you do and how it all affects blood sugar levels. But it doesn’t have to hold you back.

“I’ve always been into sports, which really helps with managing my diabetes, as regular exercise is important in helping with blood sugar control. As a PT, staying active is also part of my job, however, I’ve never set myself a goal like climbing Kilimanjaro. I wanted to challenge myself."

“Doing this climb is important to me not only to raise funds for Diabetes UK, but also to hopefully inspire others with the condition that they can do what they put their mind to.”

Gordon Hill

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of Scotland, said: “Gordon is an inspiration to us all, and we are honoured to be able to support him in preparing for this climb in aid of Diabetes UK.

“Our state-of-the-art environmental chamber has helped many athletes prepare for major sporting events, while allowing our researchers to study the impact of physical activity in extreme environments.

“By collaborating with Diabetes UK in supporting Gordon, we aim to learn more about the needs of those with type 1 diabetes in this kind of setting, something which we hope will have real world impact in deepening understanding and management of the condition.”

Jenn Hall, National Director of Diabetes Scotland said: “We are so grateful to Gordon for taking on this immense challenge in aid of Diabetes UK and for leading the charge in showing what people living with diabetes can achieve. Every pound raised will help us fund more research for new treatments, campaign for better care, and provide vital support to people who need us through our helpline.”

The work directly addresses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3, Good Health and Wellbeing and Goal 17, Partnership for the Goals.

You can donate to Gordon’s Kilimanjaro fundraiser in aid of Diabetes UK via his Just Giving page here.