Husband diagnosed and worried

[Arnopanda]

Hi there. It's not me who has been diagnosed but my husband. He's a 32 year old bodybuilder and the news is a complete shock. He's been bodybuilding for 10 years and is obsessed with it. We also have a 8 month old son and a 13year old daughter (his who we have every weekend).It rules all our lives. He recently started a bulking diet (6 high carb high protein meals a day) but lost nearly 2 stone in 3 weeks so the gp was obviously concerened and took bloods. He also got very breathless, thirsty, tired and was weeing for britain! His hba1c (I think that's what it's called!) Was 104 and 2hrs after just porridge and water his finger prick was 25! He's been put on gliclazide 80mg daily but the GP isn't sure what type of diabetes he has yet so is waiting to see if the tablets have an effect or it'll be insulin. We've been testing at home for the last week (only diagnosed on 27th may) and fasting results are at their lowest 14.9 and 2hours after eating they are 27.5 at their lowest. I called 111 as I was concerned and the gp that rang back said he's probably used to being hyper (probably been undiagnosed for 2 years) and to just wait until he sees the gp again to discuss this. He's had 2 urine tests and no ketones are present (he's not got his own test sticks though). My husband was told by the initial gp to continue his bodybuilding diet so he can accurately assess whether he's responding to the tablets (and therefore show as a type 2) but the nurse who gave him his equipment etc on his 1st nurses diabetic appt said he should stop the white carb asap (2 x jacket potatoes a day and 500g of white rice EVERY DAY!) as this will be making his sugars bad. My husband then caused a huge row about my 'over worrying' as he's not going to stop the carb. Then when the gp called back from 111 today, he said the carb won't ever be an issue and bodybuilding should continue! Problem is that without the carbs my husband will never be as big as he wants to get and was coming round to quitting bodybuilding for good. I don't want him to be unhappy and although I would love his life to revolve more around me and the kids as opposed to the gym, I know he's going to listen to all the advice pro gym and ignore any against it. We're aware exercise is good but he takes it to the extreme. My life revolves around his food preparation etc. He hates the food, feeling too small body wise and cooking (although I prep this mostly which takes up a lot of my maternity leave!) So I don't know why he loves the gym so much as he hates the life style. I only cook for him etc as otherwise I'd never see him when he gets home as he'd be in the kitchen then straight at the gym. I'm stuck in a rut as he's refusing to understand how serious this is (and as health issues with diabetes aren't immediate he can't see the dangers of his continued life style) and when we discuss the gym etc he snaps and refuses to talk to me. I'm not sure why I'm posting here but I don't know what to do. Iv also just been diagnosed with post natal depression and anxiety so feel so low. Apologies for the post and if anyone has advise please help me.xx

 

[Daibell]

In my opinion the nurse is right and your husband should cut the carbs right down. They don't help with body building as such and will certainly push blood sugar up. He should have proteins and fats in preference to carbs unless he does a lot of exercise where some carbs are needed. It sounds like your husband may be Late onset T1 (LADA) and there are tests for that.

 

[Arnopanda]

Thanks you so much for your reply Daibell. Iv read online (good or bad im not sure!) that too much protein is also bad as it can over work the kidneys? He eats over a day: meal 1 - 250grams porridge with water and 5 egg whites, meal2 - 250g chicken with 250g of jacket potato, same for meal 3 and 4. Meal 5 is 250g beef mince with 250g white basmati rice and meal 6 - 250g turkey mince with 250g white basmati rice. I can't see why the gp today from 111 would accept this is OK? Thanks again for replying- I love him so vary much but I can't talk to him about this. I know he's struggling with the diagnosis and iv only ever known him as a bodybuilder so worried this will ruin him. He's more interested in reading about adapted gym diets and talking to the gym dietician (who is also a competing bodybuilder, gym owner and his trainer!) - I had to force him to read the pack the nurse gave him!

 

[Jaylee]

Thanks you so much for your reply Daibell. Iv read online (good or bad im not sure!) that too much protein is also bad as it can over work the kidneys? He eats over a day: meal 1 - 250grams porridge with water and 5 egg whites, meal2 - 250g chicken with 250g of jacket potato, same for meal 3 and 4. Meal 5 is 250g beef mince with 250g white basmati rice and meal 6 - 250g turkey mince with 250g white basmati rice. I can't see why the gp today from 111 would accept this is OK? Thanks again for replying- I love him so vary much but I can't talk to him about this. I know he's struggling with the diagnosis and iv only ever known him as a bodybuilder so worried this will ruin him. He's more interested in reading about adapted gym diets and talking to the gym dietician (who is also a competing bodybuilder, gym owner and his trainer!) - I had to force him to read the pack the nurse gave him!

Hi,
At the moment, the porridge, rice & spuds won't be doing the BS levels any favours..?!
Get your husband to sign up here.. There are quite a few "gym bunnies" that do successfully control their diabetes..

Your bloke just needs to re-evaluate his way of going about it. Hopefully he's not out of the game yet?!

 

[Arnopanda]

Thanks Jaylee. Not out of the woods yet I spose but the problem is, until his diagnosis he was going to compete in the 'unnatural' competitions if you get what I mean. Now that's off the cards (I would not permit any drug use now- he's never used before but was going to, with use of a doctor as he reached his 'natural limit) he's always said go hard or go home. He'll never reach the level he wants as the next level is out of reach. and realistically, without the carbs he won't ever grow more than he wanted to without severely impacting his health in the future diabetes wise. I keep trying to coerce him into reading up on diet adaptation but I can't see it happening. For everyone who says his diet needs to change, he'll listen to the one person who says it doesn't. I don't know the reason why I posted if I'm being honest as I'd never tell him I was on here. He'd never join here unfortunately as i honestly don't think he'd listen to the advice. It may be because he's still in the denial stage but his hobby has made him so selfish he's blinkered to any other way of life. He is such a lovely man and father but feel this may break us and I NEVER thought I'd think that. Sorry for posting everyone, feeling so pathetic but needed opinions from people who dont know me. Everyone in our families think this is a no brainer but I don't think they know how much it rules his life. Until the diagnosis I didn't realise how much it rules mine but I've hidden it and the issues I have with it for so long convincing myself I'm happy with it that I'm not sure what to feel anymore. How sad am I? X

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[Jaylee]

Thanks Jaylee. Not out of the woods yet I spose but the problem is, until his diagnosis he was going to compete in the 'unnatural' competitions if you get what I mean. Now that's off the cards (I would not permit any drug use now- he's never used before but was going to, with use of a doctor as he reached his 'natural limit) he's always said go hard or go home. He'll never reach the level he wants as the next level is out of reach. and realistically, without the carbs he won't ever grow more than he wanted to without severely impacting his health in the future diabetes wise. I keep trying to coerce him into reading up on diet adaptation but I can't see it happening. For everyone who says his diet needs to change, he'll listen to the one person who says it doesn't. I don't know the reason why I posted if I'm being honest as I'd never tell him I was on here. He'd never join here unfortunately as i honestly don't think he'd listen to the advice. It may be because he's still in the denial stage but his hobby has made him so selfish he's blinkered to any other way of life. He is such a lovely man and father but feel this may break us and I NEVER thought I'd think that. Sorry for posting everyone, feeling so pathetic but needed opinions from people who dont know me. Everyone in our families think this is a no brainer but I don't think they know how much it rules his life. Until the diagnosis I didn't realise how much it rules mine but I've hidden it and the issues I have with it for so long convincing myself I'm happy with it that I'm not sure what to feel anymore. How sad am I? X

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Not sad at all..
To be honest. I'm not a body builder by any stretch of the imagination... Lol I'm a musician. The condition your husband has got means he will not utilise the "recommended" carb intake effectively by his "mentors" at the gym.. It will just push his blood up to an unhealthy and dangerous level...
That said. I could not perform in what I do effectively with a BS running out of control.. None of us can whatever we do.
Your husband can still look great & be fit.. I would never knock anyone's dreams.. But it's time for a reality check on your husbands condition.. It won't easily disappear..

I don't normally mix it with the gym type. But let me have a look from memory & come back to tag a few names in for a response...

 

[Jaylee]

OK, Ive had a think & a quick look round & from memory I'll tag in some gym users that may have some experience & some word on the consequences of what would happen with exercising/training on high BS..
@Mrs Vimes @TorqPenderloin @Diamattic
If you know any more in the body building game guys? please tag em in... I'm just a "geek". Lol

 

[Jaylee]

Thanks Jaylee. Not out of the woods yet I spose but the problem is, until his diagnosis he was going to compete in the 'unnatural' competitions if you get what I mean. Now that's off the cards (I would not permit any drug use now- he's never used before but was going to, with use of a doctor as he reached his 'natural limit) he's always said go hard or go home. He'll never reach the level he wants as the next level is out of reach. and realistically, without the carbs he won't ever grow more than he wanted to without severely impacting his health in the future diabetes wise. I keep trying to coerce him into reading up on diet adaptation but I can't see it happening. For everyone who says his diet needs to change, he'll listen to the one person who says it doesn't. I don't know the reason why I posted if I'm being honest as I'd never tell him I was on here. He'd never join here unfortunately as i honestly don't think he'd listen to the advice. It may be because he's still in the denial stage but his hobby has made him so selfish he's blinkered to any other way of life. He is such a lovely man and father but feel this may break us and I NEVER thought I'd think that. Sorry for posting everyone, feeling so pathetic but needed opinions from people who dont know me. Everyone in our families think this is a no brainer but I don't think they know how much it rules his life. Until the diagnosis I didn't realise how much it rules mine but I've hidden it and the issues I have with it for so long convincing myself I'm happy with it that I'm not sure what to feel anymore. How sad am I? X

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One other thing to note.. If you mean "unnatural" meaning the use of steroids..??? They will raise blood sugars in existing diabetics, and have also been known on account to actually cause diabetes..?

Edit. @JohnEGreen & @pleinster may have something on this subject....?

 

[pleinster]

Bottom line...steroids can and do cause blood sugar levels to increase and this can and does develop into Type 2 diabetes. I got my diabetes from a course of steroids (prescribed after a transplant). Also, bodybuilders do not NEED so many carbs (in fact many carbs are entirely the wrong foods to be eating), and there are no carbs or very few in most meat - steak, pork, lamb, chicken, fish - too much protein can damage the kidneys (but it has to be a very high and regular intake). Eating too many carbs, ignoring high blood sugar levels is far more likely to damage the kidneys (a very common diabetic complication). I am hardly the body building type at all, but my brother (who also had to have a transplant) was...he is now a personal trainer with strong qualifications in nutrition...and he is not particularly concerned about high protein intake and he avoids complex carbs throughout the day, eating some in the evening. I personally still see that as too many carbs, and I don't eat more than 50g a day very often, and usually way less...my kidney function is very good and I feel fine..more importantly my blood sugar levels are waaaay more manageable. I would hate to be cheeky...but tell him that maybe being healthy is more important than being "big"! I am not saying he is taking steroids...but if he is...he MUST stop now, otherise there is no chance whatsoever that his blood sugar level will do anything other than go up. Muscles and fitness are wonderful things but functioning organs are kind of important. I hope he gets the message. Look left - he too could have a body like mine!

 

[Winnie53]

I concur with everything that's been posted.

Jeff Volek and Stephen Phinney, authors of The Art and Science of the Low Carbohydrate Living and The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Performance might be helpful in that Dr. Volek is conducting research with athletes who use the low carbohydrate diet to enhance athletic performance. Additionally, Dr. Volek is a weight lifter.

The two books don't stand alone well. You need both for a complete understanding.

The books were incredibly helpful to me in increasing my understanding of the low carb diet's history and benefits for both diabetes and athletic performance.

My thoughts are with you. This would be very difficult for any wife and mother.

 

[KevinPotts]

Em.....I think the key with your hubby is going to be the approach.

He is clearly tally committed and extremely self-disciplined and he's more likely to listen to the professionals in his specialist fields than any body else...I'm pretty sure I would bend this way given the same set of circumstances.

That said, there are a couple of things that may well get him thinking:

Professor Tim Noakes is a South African - was a champion long distance endurance athlete and some years ago wrote the No1 book for. Endurance athlete and his focus was absolutely on the need and science to pile on the carbs as the only way to grow, endure and perform. He was literally followed by athletes and professionals all over the world. Today...he's one of the world leaders saying....shouting and proving that his advice was fundamentally and utterly flawed and that a Low Carb High Fat diet is not only do much more healthy for us all, but that in view of the bodies adaptation to what is called a ketogenic state as a result of an LCHF diet, elite athletes can continue to grow and even significantly outperform those following the traditional carb loading diet.

So,mfurst check out for any YouTube vids for Professor Tim Noakes, watch a few particularly those where he introduces his previous back ground and then perhaps, nudge them under hubby's nose and just let him watch them in his own privacy, time and place.

Second, try and track down the film, Serial Killers 2. This follows pro endurance athletes setting records and outperforming their previous lifestyle.

You can find Noakes and the video here:

http://www.dietdoctor.com/member/movies/cereal-killers#2

It's a membership site costing $9 per month, but you can sign up for a free 30 day trial and then simply click on s button and cancel.

There are other fascinating go films that. Luke quite literally grip your husband and help with the transition....just go gently at his own pace...at the end of the day he has to own this.

Hope this helps


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[Arnopanda]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm actually a bit overwhelmed with how quick you all replied and in such a non judgemental way. Thank you. Hubby is not doing steroids at all. He was considering prior to the diabetes diagnosis but at least we are both in agreement that this is 100% a no no. I trust him too so know this isn't an issue thank goodness. As far as being healthy and not focusing on being big - this unfortunately is a massive issue and seems to run deep in him. He's already told me he doesn't want to be 'normal'. I think this is a massive identity crisis for him so yes, I will heed your advice in going at his pace whilst the realisation sets in. Looks like I have a lot to read and watch now doesn't it? Many thanks again for your kind advice. You guys are great.

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[Natalie1974]

Hi @Arnopanda
Firstly a big hug for you...while he might be the one with the diagnosis...it sounds like you're the one doing all the worrying here and sounds like you have enough to deal with already.

Secondly...you need to speak to your doctor about a GAD test...so he can properly determine exactly which Type he is...to me putting him on medication and waiting to see how he react's is not the best way to treat this. I've included a link for you to check it out. If it turns out he's Type 1...carbs are not of the question...although he will need to use insulin to counter them.

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/gad-antibody-test.html

I'm going to tag @tim2000s as he is the font of all knowledge in these things.

Hope it all works out for you both

 

[AndBreathe]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm actually a bit overwhelmed with how quick you all replied and in such a non judgemental way. Thank you. Hubby is not doing steroids at all. He was considering prior to the diabetes diagnosis but at least we are both in agreement that this is 100% a no no. I trust him too so know this isn't an issue thank goodness. As far as being healthy and not focusing on being big - this unfortunately is a massive issue and seems to run deep in him. He's already told me he doesn't want to be 'normal'. I think this is a massive identity crisis for him so yes, I will heed your advice in going at his pace whilst the realisation sets in. Looks like I have a lot to read and watch now doesn't it? Many thanks again for your kind advice. You guys are great.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Diabetes.co.uk Forum mobile app

Arnopanda, I can't really add to much to what has been said already about his proposed reliance on carbs.

My only comment would be to suggest having a Google on something like "low carb body building". There's loads out there, some of which will be extreme and ill-advised, just as you find with almost any Google search, but there are plenty out there who do this.

Regarding his blood levels, and ketone testing, personally I would want to have the ability to test for ketones at home, whilst his blood levels are as high as they are. A urine test is ok-ish, but a blood test, using the same sort of testing kit as he does his glucose with, is much more accurate, and more "of the moment". I would ask my Doc for ketone blood testing strips (and an appropriate meter, if the one he has can't test for ketones). If he refuses, I'd be buying myself some urine strips, so that I could keep an eye on things once a day. Urine strips are pretty cheap; around £5 for 50, I think.

Good luck with it all.

 

[ickihun]

@Arnopanda . I have friends in the competition world but our discussion on here will always remain on here.
I will find out competitors who are diabetic and I'll inform you.
Then you can rest assured even diabetics are bodybuilders.
In Catford SE London the gym is ran by one of the leading women bodybuilders. I'll get her name for you.
I can PM you a contact of a friend of mine who can tell you about life being a diabetic bodybuilder. He is getting on now but has huge life experience in the gym world.
Think. If steriods cause diabetes then there could be a few diabetic bodybuilders? Right?
Your husband won't be alone. I can guarantee that.
Myself, I think you are worried about the gym life, just as much as the diabetes. Your partners gym will have other wives who worry too.
All athletic partners do. Even footballer's wives. Do you socialise with the other women?
Just after having a baby can make you feel isolated. Get a babysitter and go to the gym one evening with your partner and see what his passion is really about. Have an evening together, just enjoying yourselves again.
Let me know how you get on.
Bodybuilding doesn't have to be stopped just modified for your partner to achieve his aim. Safely.

 

[catapillar]

I would agree that, assuming there haven't yet been any steroids involved, your partners presentation on diagnosis sounds an awful lot like type 1 and you should be pushing for more diagnostic investigation into what type of diabetes he has (cpeptide & gad test) or a referral to endocrinology if the GP won't do the tests.

While this may not exactly be what you want to hear, there are loads of active, successful type 1 body builders, it just takes more time, more work & more dedication to safely accommodate diabetes & to manage carbs with insulin - I always thought muscles were built with protein, not carbs (but I don't have any visible muscles, so what do I know).

 

[SunnyExpat]

Without knowing what type of diabetes your husband has, it's difficult to give appropriate advice.

I can understand him being in shock at the moment, all you can do is support his decisions for the time being.
It's always manageable though, he just has to find the best way for him.
Sir Steve Redgrave has a very similar story, and after an initial wobble, he found his best way to deal with it, and went on to gold..

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Diabetes-type2/Pages/SteveRedgrave.aspx

 

[Pinkorchid]

As it has been such a shock to your husband to be diagnosed with diabetes he is probably not in the right frame of mind yet to change anything. He is in denial right now which is pretty usual when someone has been diagnosed with diabetes and until he actually has a proper diagnosis as to what type he is he will be reluctant to change anything. He must be thinking it is the end of doing what he loves but of course it is not. Give him time to come to terms with it it is his diabetes and ultimately he has to be the one take charge of it you can't do that for him so just give him support and let him get his head around it.and I am sure it will be fine in the end

 

[Daibell]

Hi again. The policy at my gym is to recommend a low carb higher fat diet so if your husband came to my gym he would not be encouraged to body-build on carbs. Views on high protein and kidney damage vary. My wife saw a nephrologist recently for her kidney condition was told sensible levels of protein were fine. You husbands low age and recent weight loss are strong pointers to Late onset T1 and he needs to ask for GAD and c-peptide tests for it. He simply must reduce the carbs as his current high sugar level will be doing harm. I don't know how you can convince him of that but ask him how he thinks carbs help with body-building? Carb are converted to glucose in the body and it either uses them immediately for energy or stores them as fat. I assume he is looking to build muscle and not fat?

 

[SunnyExpat]

Hi again. The policy at my gym is to recommend a low carb higher fat diet so if your husband came to my gym he would not be encouraged to body-build on carbs. Views on high protein and kidney damage vary. My wife saw a nephrologist recently for her kidney condition was told sensible levels of protein were fine. You husbands low age and recent weight loss are strong pointers to Late onset T1 and he needs to ask for GAD and c-peptide tests for it. He simply must reduce the carbs as his current high sugar level will be doing harm. I don't know how you can convince him of that but ask him how he thinks carbs help with body-building? Carb are converted to glucose in the body and it either uses them immediately for energy or stores them as fat. I assume he is looking to build muscle and not fat?

So your gym advises fat for muscle building?
How does that process work?
Do they have competition level members?

Edit, - quick guide here. http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/beginners_shopping_list.htm


As a matter of interest, do you personally bodybuild at all, or do you go more for treadmill endurance stuff?