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What does it take to climb some of the world’s tallest peaks while managing Type 1 diabetes? In this episode, I sit down with mountaineer and T1D veteran Luis Freitas, who has lived with diabetes since the age of two. Luis shares the highs, lows, and lessons from 28 years of managing diabetes—including his solo attempt to summit the tallest mountain in South America. We explore the mental toughness needed to thrive with diabetes, the truth about A1C obsession, and why defining your own version of health is key to long-term success.

Key Takeaways

• Acceptance is a superpower — Why embracing both the condition and inevitable setbacks can transform your mindset.
• Your health, your rules — How Luis defines acceptable blood sugars for high-altitude climbs without sacrificing safety.
• The limits of A1C — Why chasing a perfect number can damage your mental health and how to focus on what truly matters.
• Bullying, community, and identity — How early experiences shaped Luis’s relationship with diabetes and why community is essential.
• Do hard things — How pushing beyond your comfort zone builds resilience, both on the mountain and in daily life with T1D.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode

• 📸 Follow Luis Freitas on Instagram: @luisartf
• 🎧 Listen to past climbing episodes with Jerry (Parts 1 & 2): Part 1 | Part 2

About the Host

I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with diabetes feel confident, informed, and in control—without the hesitation and distrust in their diabetes decisions.

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
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Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

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