Building toned muscles with type 1?

[diva19871987]

Hi, I lost quite a bit of weight along with muscle when my thyroid became overactive. I was quite happy with the weight loss at first but the thing that is bothering me was the fact that it also ate away at my muscles. Now I am female and have never had great muscles but it really does show when you have lost most of what you had to start with! My legs have gone such a funny shape because of it. There is like a dip down the side of my inner calf muscle! Not a good look!

Im having treatment and have been doing a little weight lifting. Nothing major just lifting 2-4kg weights every couple of days. I have been doing this for about a month and Im really struggling to see any difference. I don't want big muscles just want to gain strength and get toned arms and legs.

I am a vegetarian and I know this might be a factor as I am probably not getting enough protein. What other foods contain protein apart from meat? I am not a vegan and I do eat dairy products sometimes. Should I just give up until my thyroid is better, could this be the problem as it is still very overactive at the moment? Sugar levels are sometimes over 20, could this be the problem? I am underweight now as i lost all my weight from the overactive thyroid. :?

Any ideas? Thank you

 

[jopar]

You have two things going against you, hyper active thyroid and high glucose levels, both will effect your weight,

But it will be the elevated sugar levels that will impact on muscle tone more though, this is because the body can't utilise the glucose probably to fuel it, so will seek the stores of fat from anywhere in the body including the muscles...

So in the main I think you going to have to resolve both these problems before you can really start to rebuild your muscle tone...

As to the protein side of things,,

There are various sources of plant protein, such as nuts, and tufo ((sp) which is often used to mimic meat products) you can also try protein shakes, but you do have to weary concerning the carbs in them...

The only other thing I can suggest is google Vegan forums, bound to be some on the internet and should get some good advise about ensuring that you can source a good natural protein source...

 

[shop]

You have two things going against you, hyper active thyroid and high glucose levels, both will effect your weight,

But it will be the elevated sugar levels that will impact on muscle tone more though, this is because the body can't utilise the glucose probably to fuel it, so will seek the stores of fat from anywhere in the body including the muscles...

So in the main I think you going to have to resolve both these problems before you can really start to rebuild your muscle tone...

As to the protein side of things,,

There are various sources of plant protein, such as nuts, and tufo ((sp) which is often used to mimic meat products) you can also try protein shakes, but you do have to weary concerning the carbs in them...

The only other thing I can suggest is google Vegan forums, bound to be some on the internet and should get some good advise about ensuring that you can source a good natural protein source...

I agree with Jopar,

I know exactly what you mean though Diva if I lifted my leg up all you could see was the bone and the skin hanging from it (nice!!) As your treatment progresses you will gain more weight and then you can build muscle. Also High BGs will waste muscle too so stable BGs will help avoid that. Have you given the carb counting course any more thought?

I have lost some weight recently and have had some muscle wastage on my thighs and am going to find some suitable excercises for my knee. ( I had a lateral release nearly 30 years ago and am having probs again )

Good luck

Lucy xxx

 

[diva19871987]

Thank you for your replies! Great answers.

Lucy-I have spoken with my GP and I took the advice others said and I've requested that I be moved back to the specialists at the hospital. I'm hoping I will get my appointment through soon so I can ask about the DAFNE course others mentioned. I'm hoping that they can get me on the waiting list soon. Does anyone know what sort of time scale the waiting lists are for the course?

I have got an appointment monday about my thyroid because the routine blood test they did last week shows it is still very high, GP said it hardly changed since I was tested months ago and started carbimizole. I have a horrible feeling I will either have to have the gland removed or the iodine treatment.
Either way I guess it looks like I'll have an under active thyroid very soon You win some, you lose some I guess!

 

[diva19871987]

My brothers do weight lifting and they have that powdered milk shake stuff (can't think of the name, sorry!) they suggested I try that but it says on the bottle "not suitable for diabetics" so I daren't take it. Would it just be the carbs in it or something else maybe?

 

[SouthernGeneral6512]

You have two things going against you, hyper active thyroid and high glucose levels, both will effect your weight,

But it will be the elevated sugar levels that will impact on muscle tone more though, this is because the body can't utilise the glucose probably to fuel it, so will seek the stores of fat from anywhere in the body including the muscles...

So in the main I think you going to have to resolve both these problems before you can really start to rebuild your muscle tone...

As to the protein side of things,,

There are various sources of plant protein, such as nuts, and tufo ((sp) which is often used to mimic meat products) you can also try protein shakes, but you do have to weary concerning the carbs in them...

The only other thing I can suggest is google Vegan forums, bound to be some on the internet and should get some good advise about ensuring that you can source a good natural protein source...

I never realised that high BS over time leads to a loss of muscle

 

[diva19871987]

Before I was diagnosed my doctor thought I had an eating disorder because I was so thin. I was 12 but pictures of me back then look frightening because I was so painfully thin. The Doctors told my mum that fat loss was mainly to do with the high sugar levels over a long period of time but I never actually realised it would attack muscle too! Would it make a difference if my sugar levels weren't high too often or is it just prolonged high sugar levels that cause the muscle loss?

 

[shop]

You have two things going against you, hyper active thyroid and high glucose levels, both will effect your weight,

But it will be the elevated sugar levels that will impact on muscle tone more though, this is because the body can't utilise the glucose probably to fuel it, so will seek the stores of fat from anywhere in the body including the muscles...

So in the main I think you going to have to resolve both these problems before you can really start to rebuild your muscle tone...

As to the protein side of things,,

There are various sources of plant protein, such as nuts, and tufo ((sp) which is often used to mimic meat products) you can also try protein shakes, but you do have to weary concerning the carbs in them...

The only other thing I can suggest is google Vegan forums, bound to be some on the internet and should get some good advise about ensuring that you can source a good natural protein source...

I never realised that high BS over time leads to a loss of muscle

Hi SG,

When I was diagnosed with T1 I had lost weight and some muscle and was showind signs of keytones. The Hospital consultant explained what diabetes was. It all fell in to place. What happens is that because there is a lack of insulin to transport the glucose to cells in the body it just gets stored in your liver ( mine was slightly swollen ) and because cells arn't getting the glucose your body firstly uses fat for energy, then muscle, then it produces toxins ( keytones. ) Because your body is unable to use its fuel (glucose.) So that is why one can have muscle loss with uncontrolled high sugars. Hope this helps.

Lucy.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi there! as everyone else already said, getting your bg-levels down will improve things for you.
Good sources of protein for us non-meateaters: soy products, dairy products, nuts and all the different kind of beans.
If you want to build some muscles I suggest heavier weights and fewer reps. Just give it all you've got, as females we usually don't have to worry about getting too bulky anyway.
Best of luck to you!

 

[etmsreec]

How about just plain, skimmed milk? Not the UHT stuff, but the red-capped stuff from the chiller cabinets? One needs to take account of the carbs, of course.

 

[shop]

Thank you for your replies! Great answers.

Lucy-I have spoken with my GP and I took the advice others said and I've requested that I be moved back to the specialists at the hospital. I'm hoping I will get my appointment through soon so I can ask about the DAFNE course others mentioned. I'm hoping that they can get me on the waiting list soon. Does anyone know what sort of time scale the waiting lists are for the course?

I have got an appointment monday about my thyroid because the routine blood test they did last week shows it is still very high, GP said it hardly changed since I was tested months ago and started carbimizole. I have a horrible feeling I will either have to have the gland removed or the iodine treatment.
Either way I guess it looks like I'll have an under active thyroid very soon You win some, you lose some I guess!

Hi Diva,

Not sure how long the waiting list is for DAFNE as my course is one that the hosp have derived from DAFNE as they dont have funding. Hope you dont have to wait too long and hope that whatever treatment you have for your thyroid that you dont have to wait ages. Underactive is definately more easily treatable. That sorted and then going on the DAFNE course should give you the best chance of sorting both.

Best wishes and take care,

Lucy xxx

 

[RichWatt]

I became T1 diabetic due to an unrelated surgical procedure earlier this year. I was in recovery ward for 3 weeks and needed physical rehab. I lost a lot of muscle mass at this point. When I was released from hospital I started on a whey protein shake and this helped build my strength back very quickly. I took 1 small shake every day or 2. I bought the Holland and Barrett whey protein powder as its good quality and cheaper than the big brands, and I mixed it with coconut milk which is yum and has next to no carbs. It's in most Tesco's or Sainsbury's so is easy to obtain. You could also use Soya milk as an alternative too. I use either. The vanilla shake is tasty.

 

[alex200274]

Hello
 
I’m a type 1 diabetic (22 years and counting) and have been going to the gym for the last few years. As a diabetic I have found the whole muscle building regime quite tough, and as a diabetic you often have to work twice as hard.
 
However what I have learned be it getting toned or bulking up (gaining muscle) diet is about 80%-90% and exercise is only about 10% - 20%. In fact to get a six pack diet is 95% and only 5% exercise. Most people would think it is the other way around, but diet is the key aspect to any sort of training.
 
In terms of protein, it’s extremely important especially to have the right type of protein (such as lean meats). You want to aim for about 1.5g of protein per pound of body weight. I take protein powder, at least twice or three times a day when training and my diet consists of chicken, turkey, green vegetables, grains, oats, and I try and I stay away from fatty foods, and bad carbs.
The one thing I have noticed is I’m a slow muscle gainer and that could be because of my body type but I have a feeling it’s down to being diabetic. Training can be very difficult, nothing worse than finishing a session and having a hypo and downing loads of sugar and carbs which you have worked hard to burn off. However training releases glucose into the blood stream (muscles release glucose) and you may find your sugars will rise during training.
 
There are a lot of good books you can buy about gym training and you will be surprised how most gym diets (toning, or bulking up etc) are closely linked diabetic management. With most body builders it’s all about controlling their sugar levels, and I was shocked to have read that some actually inject insulin to lower their sugar levels after a training session to get the post training nutrients quicker to their muscles–however this approach doesn’t work for a diabetic!
 
I get my protein powders from MyProtein.co.uk and I choose the MP Max Protein because it has a very low carbohydrate levels, and no sugar. I take three scoops a day which is about 70 grams; I then get the rest of my protein from egg whites, lean meats, fish etc. Egg whites are excellent and you can also buy them from MyProtien – they have loads of protein, no fat, and no cholesterol (you can scramble them or add it to a shake, as it has been pasteurised it’s safe to consume raw).
 
Perhaps invest in a few training books or browse some gym training forums to get an idea. However the key aspect to training is diet and more importantly protein. In your situation I would start with cardio as the main bulk of your training. Remember to burn fat it takes approximately 20 minutes of cardio – example weights, running, rowing, cycling before you have burned off your glucagon reserves, after which the body will then start to burn off the fat. Perhaps start off with a 20 minute session of light weights (3 or 4 sets of 15 reps) to get you sweating, acting as a cardio enabler. Then move onto your 20-30 minute of cardio.  Whatever you do start off light and try and keep you session to 45-60 minutes, at least 3-4 times a week.
 
The most important aspect is to exercise and it can make a huge difference to the management of your diabetes – in a positive way!

 

[RichWatt]

Alex,

It sounds like you live on a very low carb diet as a general rule. Is that correct? If so, you must have many meal times where it is not worth taking rapid insulin. Does this cause you any problems?

I would prefer to be on a low carb diet but my DSN wants me on a high carb diet and advised that skipping carbs/insulin at meal times on a regular basis is dangerous.

 

[diva19871987]

Hi, I went to the hospital today about my overactive thyroid and they have increased my carbimizole from 15mg to 30mg. The consultant told me the other options for treatment in the long term. My thyroid is still very overactive and it is a possibility that i might have to have the thyroid removed completely or have the iodine therapy. Has anyone had they iodine treatment and how was it? I have 2 small children and ive been told i must not come into contact with them for up to 16 days. :shock: This is devestating for me and i just dont think i will be able to cope not seeing them. I will have to move in with my parents if i do have iodine because small children are more at risk. I really would prefer an opertation if it means i do not have to keep away from the kids. I obviously dont want them to be in danger and if i have to i will have to grin and bare it but emotionally i dont think i can do it right now. Can i opt to have an operation rather than iodine?

 

[shop]

Hi Diva,

Glad to see that they have increased your Carbimazole but I agree that you probably will either have to have RI treatment or a thyroidectomy. You may remember that I said thjat I had had RI treatment. I was told not to be in public places where children might be for about a week I think ( I may be wrong it was over 10 yrs ago. ) I was off work for less than a week ( no kiddies in work ) and at that point I had no children. I was also told not to get pregnant for at least a year after treatment. The treatment itself was just a drink and I had no ill effects. I did consequently become underactive ( and was warned that this may happen ) and am now on thyroxine. ( which is fine. )

It must be awful to have to be without your children and can understand your concern, I would feel the same as you. Only you and your Endocrinologist can decide what treatment is best. I dont know if you have a choice or not but I am sure that your situation with 2 little ones will be taken into account.

Hope you get it sorted with as little disruption and distress as possible.

Lucy xxx

 

[ankat]

Just as a morale boost:
Magnus or Torsbjörn Samuelsson, both which have won Swedens Strongest Man competition different years and one of the World Strongest Man, have type 1 diabetes.

 

[jgibson1962]

I've been a type 1 just over a year now and being a Horse rider I am very active on a daily basis, Horse riding alone is physically hard as is the mucking out and poo picking and general stable work. After diagnosis, I lost all my muscle and flabby bits and generally looked a mess, but now I look and feel better than I have done for years, I don't know if insulin helps muscle repair, but my arms are looking pretty ripped. I think a lot of this is to do with mindset, for me nothing has changed, I manage my insulin religiously, I eat the same as I did before, that includes quite a lot of carbs and I do a pretty rigorous work routine at the stable yard.

 

[diva19871987]

I've been a type 1 just over a year now and being a Horse rider I am very active on a daily basis, Horse riding alone is physically hard as is the mucking out and poo picking and general stable work. After diagnosis, I lost all my muscle and flabby bits and generally looked a mess, but now I look and feel better than I have done for years, I don't know if insulin helps muscle repair, but my arms are looking pretty ripped. I think a lot of this is to do with mindset, for me nothing has changed, I manage my insulin religiously, I eat the same as I did before, that includes quite a lot of carbs and I do a pretty rigorous work routine at the stable yard.

I dream of the day where I have the energy to do rigorous work and not have a hypo! Do you sometimes have hypos when you work hard?

 

[etmsreec]

Seemingly daft question to RichWatt - is there a brand name to the Holland and Barrett whey protein? Checking on their website the whey protein powders all look very similar in price but there's none that shout at me saying they are H&B's own brand.

Thanks
Steve