Bodybuilding for Diabetics

I have been diabetic for over 15 years and at present, I am controlling it successfully through diet and exercise. I have decided to share my experience of living with diabetes (Type 2) through the sport of bodybuilding and how it has helped create a new lifestyle that is ideal for diabetics.

Today I run my own business as a freelance personal trainer. Recently I have been working with clients suffering with diabetes and they all have noticed the benefits of regular physical exercise such as better control of blood sugars and blood pressure.

Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the amount of glucose in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body to utilise glucose as fuel. A deficiency in insulin will result in hyperglycaemia.

In fact, I was in my mid twenties when I developed signs and symptoms of diabetes which includes unquenchable thirst and frequent visits to the toilet. I would drink at least 1-2 litres of chilled concentrated orange juice almost at regular intervals. My vision became blurred and I was constantly tired.

My health started to deteriorate quickly before I went to see my doctor. He admitted me straight to hospital, as a result of my urine test which had detected high levels of sugar.

At the hospital, I was given my first insulin injection. I was deeply disappointment to learn my fate of becoming diabetic and was determined for a speedily recovery.

I had to make a radical change to my lifestyle and accept that my over indulgences in food, lack of physical exercises and stress potentially were the main contributing factors that led to my diabetes.

So I joined a local gym and slowly eased back into doing weight training. Nothing strenuous just low resistance, high repetitions for 1-2 sets. I included cardio vascular activities such as power walking, light rowing and bike keeping the intensity at 50-80% MHR.

I went on a low carbohydrate diet that with the aim to lose body fat. The first two months were a struggle however the benefits were quite noticeable. My blood pressure, body fat readings had improved.

Strangely I found myself reducing my insulin intake as a result of my body starting to produce it again. My doctor explained this phase as the "Honeymoon period". This refers to the period of where there is some restoration of insulin production by the pancreas but it's normally temporary.

Six months into my training I stopped the insulin injections as I was controlling my blood sugars satisfactory as I continued to lose weight. My blood sugars were consistent with readings between 5 and 6 mmol/l. My body fat had reduced from 34% to 20% and looked quite lean.

I was enjoying my new lifestyle of eating and working out at the gym. I remember being inspired by an article I read in a bodybuilding magazine about preparing for a bodybuilding competition. So I set my self the challenge to get ready for a show later that year.

My food consisted of low GI carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and whole grain rice, lean protein such as chicken and turkey breast, plenty of fibrous carbohydrates like broccoli and green beans, mineral water and omega oils.

Ten months I had lost just over five stones in total and placed 2nd in the ANB Central England championships 1996.

Today I still compete in bodybuilding competitions, as it helps control my diabetes without the use of medication and it reduces the risk of developing some of the other leading illness such as heart disease and dying prematurely.

[http://bodybuilding4diabetics.com/]