Support with the under diagnosed condition helped scaling new heights

A man stands on a mountain peak — Vinod Mistry stands at Africa’s highest point

Barnet resident Vinod Mistry scaled Mount Kilimanjaro for charity, just six years after receiving a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Following a regime of gym workouts and fitness classes at Copthall Leisure Centre, along with medication from his doctors, Mistry and in autumn 2022, at the age of 67, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, raising £13,222 for charity.

The following year, Mistry set off for the Himalayas, facing snowfall, freezing temperatures and poor visibility with an eight-day ascent to the base camp at an altitude of 5,364m.

Mistry was referred to the local ‘Healthwise’ team at Better leisure centres in 2016 following a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. He said: “The exercise classes run by Barnet’s Healthwise team were motivational and enjoyable, my fitness levels improved considerably and this inspired me to continue attending the gym. I gradually stepped up my exercise routine and built up my stamina over the years and now I am fitter and confident enough to participate in challenging activities, climbing high-altitude mountains, which I never thought possible.”

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of sugar in the blood (glucose) to become too high and can increase the risk of developing problems with your eyes, heart, feet and nerves. Symptoms can include, tiredness, thirst and frequent urination but some people have no indications at all. According to the NHS website, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help to balance sugar levels and keep the condition under control.

In Barnet, around 4,500 people (16% of those expected to be diabetic) are potentially diabetic and undiagnosed and around a quarter of adults in Barnet (23.7%), took part in less than 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, during 2019-20.

Barnet’s Healthwise Coordinator, Billy Phillips, said: “With the prevalence of medical conditions increasing, along with sedentary lifestyles, the Barnet Healthwise programme provides a great opportunity for borough residents to be referred by a healthcare professional into our service. We aim to increase people’s physical activity levels through structured support whilst aiming to modify their lifestyle behaviours with advice and guidance from our team. In time, this will help contribute towards the management of existing risk factors and long-term medical conditions.

“The programmes we offer include a falls prevention programme for those who have a fear or are at risk of falling, cancer rehabilitation, and an adult weight management programme where people can self-refer. Each programme has its own inclusion criteria, and provides access to gym, swim and fitness classes on our subsidised membership.”

Mistry credits Barnet healthwise for his skyscraping feats: “I feel more in control of my medical conditions and I wish to continue challenging myself. I am very grateful to Billy and his Barnet team for helping me through my journey. This would not have been possible without their continuous support and positivity.”

To find out more about Barnet’s Healthwise programme, visit – FAB Hub – Health & Wellbeing (better.org.uk)

Barnet leisure centres are run by charitable social enterprise GLL under the ‘Better’ brand. The organisation is committed to supporting the wellbeing of local communities.

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