Exercise

[Bbbabs]

Hello - I was diagnosed with T2 at the start of May. Years of eating the wrong food I guess. Back then I was high cholesterol and a BMI of 32 with a blood sugar count of 89. I have been prescribed Metformin, started at 500 a day and am now up to 1000. No side effects I am pleased to say.

Since then In just over 2.5 months I have lost 13kg through a mixture of a low carb, low calorie diet and strength training ( a mixture of reps of circuits ) my cholesterol is now at normal and blood pressure almost there. BMI 27.8. Target is a BMI of 24 or less.

I have dropped two trousers sizes, have more energy than I have had in years and my outlook in every aspect in becoming more positive. Sometimes I have a bit of a dip but a couple of strawberries sorts that out ( maybe once a week of less). Whilst not there yet, my body shape is looking better than it has for many years.

I have an appointment to have the blood sugar test again next month. The doctor advised to give it three months to allow the medication, diet and exercise to take effect.

I had a question on exercise. In my training ( now 90 minutes every other day on different muscle groups( plus walking almost everyday)). I am finding the kettlebells I am using are getting perhaps a little easy. I intend to increase this. I do understand proper form and know the signs of muscle and skeletal risks from having done this in my younger days playing a number of sports . However, what I am not sure about is the what effect continued muscle growth has on diabetes - this is about controlled growth and steady reduction of body fat, not bodybuilding. Are there any possible negative consequences of doing this with diabetes?

 

[Bruce Stephens]

Are there any possible negative consequences of doing this with diabetes?

No.

(That's admittedly a brief answer, but I think it's pretty much correct. Those of us on insulin need to be aware that exercise can increase or decrease BG and improving fitness can increase insulin sensitivity. But you're not, so I don't see an issue.)

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Well done on your terrific progress so far @Bbbabs - and on your weight loss - which will almost certainly have improved your insulin sensitivity, and may also have improved your organ function by removing visceral fat from around your liver and pancreas.

You aren’t the first forum member to comment that their diagnosis with diabetes became a sort of catalyst which kick-started positive changes to their menu / activity / health and fitness, meaning that they now feel fitter and healthier than they have in years!

Muscles have the capacity to take up glucose directly from the bloodstream under certain circumstances, so the sorts of ‘trimming up’ changes you are describing would be very positive I would imagine.

Former forum admin @Northerner (a distance runner) used to recommend the Diabetic Athlete's Handbook as a useful guide to explain the physical processes in relation to diabetes very well.

 

[Bbbabs]

Thank you both for your helpful replies.

 

[Deleted member 21371]

I found exercise was probably the most important change for me.
I did shed a lot of weight as well.
But increased muscle definitely improved my insulin resistance, and it stayed improved well after exercising as well.

 

[helli]

I have been lucky to exercise most of my life. I am not sure it an addiction but I feel myself getting grumpy and lethargic if I have more than a week off.
I think exercise gives me more energy, it gives me a chance to switch off from life frustrations, socialise, it helps me sleep better if I am physically tired, it is kind of a way to recharge.