Bodybuilding and insulin intake?

Evening guys,

a little about myself:

I'm Sam, 22 years old and have been a diagnosed type 1 for two years. The first year was tough.. but now, it's just a little inconvenience. Before my diagnosis, I was an avid bodybuilder and with that, a BIG eater. My weight training stopped with my diagnosis, but my eating continued. Luckily, I've maintained a relatively lean physique and haven't put my body under any more stress than Diabetes already does.

This post is both to say HI but also to ask a question that's been bothering me for a while. The joys in my life are my beautiful fiancee (far too good for me), my dogs and my cats. I've been blessed to replace something as insignificant as weight training with the love of my life... but.. I do so miss my training.

Recently I've been establishing a home gym to rival most any commercial gym (in my little opinion) and am eager to return to my training to once and for all tell Diabetes where it can stick it! There are many great success stories in body building and muscle gain with regard to those with Diabetes, so I have little concern as to whether it's possible or not. My question relates to diet and more specifically, the effects it has on my insulin intake.

Let me give you a run down -

I start my day with whey protein shake, 60 grams of bran, a slice of buttered toast and an apple. Generally I aim to restrict my morning meal to 7, perhaps 8 units of Humalog.

Brunch! - A sandwich consisting of two slices of brown bread, a little butter and a generous handful of lean meat - 3 units.

Lunch - Another two sandwiches - As above, 4 slices with the addition of another whey shake - 6-7 units.

Mid afternoon - Pre prepared starchy snack eg. baked sweet potato and a piece of fruit - 3 units.

Dinner - Large serving of complex carbs (brown pasta/rice) and a lean meat eg. two large chicken breasts - 6-7 units.

Supper - Carbs in the form of either cereal or bread and a final whey shake - 4 units


My evening lantus injection is currently at 12 units and I am maintaining 5.8-6.8 sugars daily. The above breakdown is of course just an example, the meals and insulin intake will vary slightly.

Now, as can be seen, I am running with the 'little and often' concept... without the little. For my training, this is essential for both the energy required to break down muscle but also the nutrients needed to repair it. Unfortunately, in my experience, three meals a day has never proven to be sufficient in this regard.

My concern is whether regularly taking say.. 29-34 units of humalog plus 12 or so units of lantus will result in some insulin resistance. I am more than able to maintain a healthy blood sugar level currently so I see little resistance.. but..? Does the fact that said units are being diluted in a larger person give me a little more room?

My apologies for the rambling; I've yet to find anyone able to give me guidance with regards to my concern.

Many many thanks!

Sam.

And I just noticed that there is a specific fitness section of the forum! My fault, please feel free to move this where it fits best.

Thank you for your prompt response Is there anything to be concerned with other than the stacking effect? Of course, I'm out to improve my physical condition so if a high dose is detrimental.. it would be very worrying.

Sam.

Edit: I just noticed you said I'm NOT on a high dose!! Sorry, I read that completely wrong. That's great then I thought I was really pushing it but if that's the case, maintaining the diet I require, whilst of course keeping an eye on that stacking effect, shouldn't be a problem.

richard hauxwell said:

Hi my armour I am in same position just started doing body building I'm type 1 I have gone from taking a high does with meal to not taking any due to high intensity training I was a amazed with how fast my sugar levels have come under control I try to keep my sugars above 8 when doing this but my standard bloods are now between 4.7 and 5.5 all because I am eating healthy and plus am on a cutting diet when I was diagnosed I lost 3 stone in 2 week but put it all back on with in 2 month but now I am training again i am losing around 7 lb a week

Click to expand...

Great to hear from someone in the same situation! Thanks for your response bud. I'm currently bulking so insulin with meals is definitely needed but no where near as much. Before starting training again, I was generally using about a unit of Humalog per 10g of carbs. I'm now struggling to keep my sugars up, even with a minuscule 1 unit to 20g! I can definitely see my insulin intake being rock bottom when I'm cutting as you are. How do you find bulking with T1? I'm seeing fairly good lean mass gains at the moment and to be honest, I don't see much difference between non T1 and T1 s of yet.

tim2000s said:

Hi my armour, whilst not being a bodybuilder, I embarked on a heavy weights routine and low carb diet around 2 months ago. My basal level is not hugely changed, but my boluses are a lot smaller. I also eat St regular intervals and have not seen an issue.

I'd also reflect on the correction dose method, as this can lead to more dosing. Equally, pump use is small, regular doses akin to what the body normally does.
With this in mind, I don't imagine that your current regime is likely to cause any insulin resistance.

Click to expand...

More related input, great stuff I'm currently on a high carb diet (bulking) and find exactly the opposite. Although my bolus intake has significantly dropped due to the intensive training, I'm pretty much not needing basal! I'm working to maintain high enough sugars rather than worrying about highs now. Although true bodybuilding is fairly extreme, I really believe a healthy exercise regime is of huge benefit to all that deal with diabetes.

Sam.