So this post is coming a bit out of left field, but certainly does have some relevance to events that have been in the news recently. Also, because I went to a new Crossfit gym here in Vancouver and I could hardly get out of bed this morning, but my blood sugars were spot on. As most know, Lance Armstrong has finally come clean (somewhat) to the allegations he was "doping" & used performance enhancing drugs while professionally competing. There have also been many MLB players that have been under investigation for the use of banned substances. The most common thought for people is steroids. Well, yes the majority of the time they are taking steroids but usually it's coupled with other substances. There are numerous ways you can enhance your physical performance, which most people aren't really aware of, well, at least I was not. I wouldn't have thought about doing blood transfusions during any of my physical competitions. Also, I am sure most people would not associate INSULIN as a performance enhancing drug either! Yes, I know I have some rather interesting jumping abilities and strength to size ratio, so for those of you that may have suspected, I am coming clean. I MUST ADMIT, I HAVE BEEN USING PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS FOR OVER 10 YEARS!!! INSULIN!!! hahah So, for those that know me, you are not surprised, since I have been diabetic for over 10 years now and rely on INSULIN to stay alive! In no way do I consider it a performance enhancing drug. Well, I take that back, it is the most important performance enhancing drug in the sport of LIFE! I would not be alive today without it, so it is crazy when I read an article about a cyclist who was using INSULIN as a performance enhancing drug or read a body building forum on how to use INSULIN to gain muscle and mass. I have spent some time reading through the below link and for PWD I am sure it will drive you crazy too.
http://www.steroidology.com/forum/anabolic-steroids-bodybuilding-articles/40-insulin-most-anabolic-hormone-part-1-2-a.html People actually choose to use INSULIN to better their physical appearance. The warnings dont even talk about how your body will become insulin resistant and lead to Type 2 diabetes, or, the fact that once your body gets use to getting your insulin from an external source it could just as easily shut down its insulin production and cause Type 1 diabetes. The worst part is that people with no real understanding are "going to start trying insulin" and risk death. I would consider myself an EXPERT on INSULIN and I certainly have felt the power of insulin and literally could have killed myself accidentally with it (read original post). However, reading up on these events does help me better understand all the ways that INSULIN works within the body and as I start to train for certain events, it can help guide me to a regime that is helpful for being dependent on INSULIN. For example, one thing to notice after training is that I am usually much more sensitive to insulin and dont need as much at meal time dosage. It is important how your body refuels its glycogen stores as well. I came across this article and found this section interesting, it is for people without diabetes, but relevant to PWD. "High levels of insulin mean your body will store excess glucose as bodyweight and this could be muscle or fat. Your muscles can store 250 to 400 grams of glycogen and your liver can store 100 grams. Muscle glycogen does not supply glucose to the blood, it is used to feed muscle tissue therefore is it reasonable to feed your body with complex carbohydrates to refill muscle glycogen stores." I think it is important to distinguish glycogen stores in your muscles versus your liver. When you get low blood sugars, your liver in your main support for glycogen or sugar. So if you tear down your muscles and deplete the glycogen stores, your muscles will need to refuel when you consume carbs. Some things to think about and I still need to do some more research on all the effects of physical activity. It is important to understand how people misuse INSULIN, so you can better understand how you can use it to your benefit (if you are diabetic).
9 Comments
Bram
2/4/2013 02:15:46 pm
Thanks mom! Yes, it helps me take more control and be more involved with my disease, but hopefully can helps others too!
Reply
Karen
2/3/2013 11:56:07 am
Your Dad remembers even before you were diagnosed, you were one of the strongest guys on the football team pound for pound.
Reply
Bram
2/4/2013 02:18:48 pm
Yeah, for my size I have been able to lift more than most my size. I dont contribute that by any means to insulin! In all honesty it is mostly genetic, I have fast twitch muscle and have been able to use that to my advantage.
Reply
Kaleb Simcox
2/4/2013 12:59:55 pm
Kids at my school that think if they take insulin it would build there muscles and that I have a bit of an unfair advantage. I tell them that it's one of the perks that it also comes with having to regulate my bg before during and after a practice or game, and my blood is low or high it can take me out of the game just like that. So if they really think its worth all of the constant bleeding and shots and pump changes and check ups and near death experiences that can happen when you get sick and counting carbs and so on. Then hey i'm always up for a pancreas donation ;-).
Reply
Bram
2/4/2013 02:26:09 pm
Hey Kaleb - thanks so much for the comment! I was diagnosed right before graduation in high school, so I didn't have to deal with it much in sport except for one season of hockey. I couldn't imagine having to play manage during football though that would have been incredible hard. The crazy thing is you dont have an unfair advantage because their bodies will produce enough insulin for how much food they consume. Them taking extra insulin would not help. Gaining mass is all about calorie intake. Now on the other hand, if they were going to take testosterone or HGH with insulin, then that is another story. As you know, insulin helps the intake of all nutrients, so it can assist in the uptake of illegal substances. Have you ever looked into the paleo diet? There is a book called Paleo Diet for Athletes, I havent finished reading it, but is pretty good basis for diet being diabetic. Hope all is well!
Reply
Daniel
10/23/2013 09:55:06 am
Hi Bram,
Reply
Bram
10/25/2013 03:31:42 am
Hi Daniel - gald you find my site! Canada has been great so far, and crossfit is an amazing community with instant access to a great group of people when moving to a new town. Overall, crossfit has been great for my blood sugar levels, just always make sure to have sugar available during workouts to prevent lows. Always happy to answer any questions. Also within crossfit, Paleo diet is great for me and most diabetics since it really limits sugar and all breads/grains.
Reply
Daniel
10/23/2013 09:55:57 am
Hi Bram,
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
BRAM HUTCHINSONCategories
All
|