Diabetes & Bodybuilding – The Diabetic Bodybuilder

There are two types of Diabetes Mellitus: types 1 and 2. The pathology of each of the two diseases is completely different and, from a nutrition and exercise viewpoint, each should be treated differently.

Blood glucose levels are controlled by the hormone insulin produced by the pancreas. Glucose comes from our food from starchy foods, like rice, potatoes, bread, etc and from sugar. It is also manufactured in the liver from where it is passed into the blood. In diabetes glucose cannot be used effectively as a fuel by the body so levels rise in the blood and excess passes into urine. This is why diabetics, before diagnosis, pee more and feel excessively thirsty. There may also be other symptoms like lethargy, blurred vision, lack of concentration and fatigue.

In Type 1 Diabetes there is no insulin produced from the pancreas at all, so the patient has to be treated with injections of insulin a number of times a day, as well as following a suitable diet. There are a number of different types of insulin regimens advised by doctors, and which regimen an individual follows may have implications for the diet. Fortunately, newer insulin regimens encourage patients to take more control over their own nutrition themselves.

In Type 2 Diabetes insulin is produced from the pancreas but is unable to act properly in the body. This is as a consequence of a metabolic state of the body called insulin resistance and, because the insulin is not having its desired effect, this leads to more and more insulin being released; high blood glucose levels are associated with high blood insulin levels. Type 2 diabetes is often, but not always, associated with being overweight and it usually occurs in people over 40 years old, with the main exceptions being younger people who are morbidly obese.

Regular meals and snacks are vital for optimum diabetes control, especially in respect of carbohydrate foods. Diabetics should aim to consume slow-released low glycaemic carbohydrate foods as the basis of each meal and snack. This ties in well with the goals of bodybuilders, who require regular nutrition for optimum energy levels.

The plan below has been compiled to suit a diabetic bodybuilder and is suitable for someone treated with insulin and who’s looking to increase their strength and muscle size. If the insulin regimen is not so flexible, then the individual should review the meal and snack times, but the principles remain the same. If the insulin regimen involves super-fast acting varieties, then adjust the dose appropriately. If you do not control your own insulin regimen, then speak to your doctor or diabetes specialist nurse.

Often diabetics feel they cannot make good muscle and strength gains due to their condition, but there is absolutely no reason why a diabetic, whether insulin-treated or not, cannot make just as good gains as a non diabetic. Indeed, there is nothing radical in a diet for type 1 diabetics; the principles are simply based on the healthy eating guidelines which everyone should be following: simply incorporate concepts applicable to muscle growth, and the size and strength results will come.

Some foods are marketed especially for diabetics such as special chocolates, cakes, biscuits, etc, but these are actually not recommended. Eating a range of low fat, low sugar, high fibre ‘ordinary’ foods is far better. Many of these ‘diabetic products’ are no lower in fat or calories and are normally more expensive. Some contain the sweetener sorbitol which can cause wind, stomach upsets and diarrhoea. Normal ‘low sugar’/’sugar-free’ products, like low calorie and ‘diet’ soft drinks, are fine to consume.

Your goal is to gain muscle and strength without the concurrent addition of body fat. To do this, you need to ensure that you have a good understanding of your insulin regimen and that you are well controlled. The key to quality weight gain is to eat plenty of quality food spread over six or seven smaller meals / snacks. Include plenty of high protein food choices like lean meat, chicken, fish, eggs and milk; low glycaemic starchy carbs; fruit and vegetables (nuts and pulses are also good sources of protein). Also include some sources of the essential fatty acids, like oily fish or flaxseeds/linseeds.

Spread meals and snacks regularly through the day and try to adhere to a schedule like the one below. In respect of protein supplements, always look at the label. Whey protein can be a useful addition in your quest for making gains, but the quality of product varies hugely from brand to brand. Ensure you have a product which is over 75g protein per 100g, otherwise it will contain too many simple carbohydrates and this could adversely affect your blood sugar control. Weight gain supplement formulas should be avoided by diabetics as many contain too high levels of high glycaemic carbs. Remember supplements are there to supplement and are not meant to replace good wholesome food.

Diabetic Bodybuilding Meal Plan

The following diet plan is an example plan of a healthy diet which is suitable for a diabetic on insulin to follow in bodybuilding. Use it as a base and to help you learn what are healthy nutritious foods to include. Vary food choices and drink plenty of water through the day. Check with your doctor or diabetes specialist nurse before following this plan, and if you do not control your own insulin regimen, levels may need adjusting in line with the increased food intake.

Weight training should be performed three or four times per week with intense sessions for around 45-60 minutes. It would also be an idea to incorporate 45 minutes low intensity steady cardiovascular training two or three times a week to help with heart health, to help keep body fat levels down and for general fitness.

As with all the meal plans on MuscleTalk this is merely a guide: eat a variety of different meats, fish, alternatives, complex carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables every day, and drink plenty of water. Adapt the plan to suit your own needs, daily routine and insulin protocol and vary portions and food choices from day to day.