Breaking Boundaries in Antarctica: Rachel Smith’s Mount Vinson Challenge

This December, FRIO is proud to sponsor an extraordinary journey—one that blends scientific resilience, human determination, and the power of community. Rachel Smith, a doctor, mountaineer, and woman living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), is setting out to achieve something no woman with T1D has done before: summit Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica.

Her mission goes far beyond the mountain itself. Rachel is raising funds and awareness for Breakthrough T1D, helping drive vital research towards better outcomes—and ultimately a cure—for everyone living with Type 1 Diabetes.

Follow her journey on Instagram: @Type1Summit

The Challenge Ahead

Mount Vinson is not just tall—it’s extreme. Standing at 4,892 metres, the mountain sits deep within the frigid heart of Antarctica. Rachel’s expedition will span two demanding weeks, where she will navigate an environment shaped by:

  • Average temperatures of –30°C
  • Unpredictable weather
  • Heavy sled-pulling from Vinson Base Camp
  • Steep ascents on crampons and fixed lines
  • High-altitude acclimatisation with no margin for error

From hauling equipment across vast white expanses to climbing towards the summit with only what she can carry on her back, Rachel will be relying on physical grit, mental resilience, and carefully managed glucose control—made possible, in part, through FRIO’s cooling technology.

“This challenge will undoubtedly push me, both physically and mentally,” Rachel says. “But I’m ready.”

Who Is Rachel Smith?

Rachel was born in Belfast and now works as a doctor in Melbourne, Australia. Her life with T1D began early—diagnosed in 2000 just before her third birthday.

Her journey with diabetes has always been intertwined with innovation. In 2001, she became the first child in Northern Ireland to use an insulin pump.

Mountains, too, have been a lifelong companion. From childhood hikes in Northern Ireland to scaling some of the world’s great peaks, Rachel’s passion has carried her far:

  • Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest)
  • Aconcagua (South America’s highest)
  • Mount Kosciuszko (Australia’s highest)
  • Trekking to Everest Base Camp and summiting Lobuche in Nepal
  • Expeditions across Scandinavia, Europe, the UK, and Ireland

With Mount Vinson, she aims to challenge stereotypes and demonstrate that people living with T1D can achieve anything—at any altitude.

Why Breakthrough T1D?

For Rachel, supporting Breakthrough T1D is deeply personal. Living with Type 1 Diabetes for more than 25 years has given her a front-row seat to the transformative impact of research—from early insulin pump technology to the latest devices and therapies.

Breakthrough T1D has been behind every major global advance in T1D research for the past 50 years, funding innovation, advocating for change, and pushing relentlessly towards a cure.

“I want to be part of what happens next,” Rachel explains. “Breakthrough T1D has shaped my journey since childhood—and now I want to give back.”

FRIO’s Role in the Journey

FRIO is honoured to help Rachel as she takes on this historic challenge. Our mission has always been to empower people with diabetes to live boldly, safely, and without barriers—whether that’s across town or on a glacier in Antarctica.

As Rachel navigates sub-zero temperatures, long days on the ice, and remote environments where reliable diabetes management is essential, FRIO’s cooling products will help protect her life-saving insulin and equipment every step of the way.

Follow & Support Rachel

You can follow Rachel’s expedition on Instagram at @Type1Summit, and support her fundraising for Breakthrough T1D by CLICKING HERE.

Together, we can help push boundaries, rewrite what’s possible, and stand behind those who dare to do the extraordinary.