Much of what makes men with diabetes different from women with diabetes has to do with muscles — and how they use them.
Dr. Gerald Bernstein, director of FDI’s Diabetes Management Program, is a young-at-heart endocrinologist who knows firsthand how muscles affect the way insulin acts in the body. “After running was no longer an option for me, I went to the gym. I noticed that resistance training, using machines and weights, not only made my muscles bigger, it made me lose weight. And, to my great joy, my diabetes was easier to manage!”
In fact, research shows that resistance training — working your muscles — increases levels of the protein irisin. Irisin stimulates the production of brown fat , which turns into muscle when we work out. Muscles help us regulate insulin. Follow me?
If Dr. Bernstein took a walk from his office on 17th Street uptown to 42nd Street — about a mile and a half — he would lower his glucose level by as much as 100 milligrams — but not for long. If he went to the gym and worked out, his blood sugar levels would be close to normal, and stay that way until the next morning! Remember, muscles atrophy with age so to keep up a normal metabolism, gentle resistance workouts are helpful.
So, let’s recap. Men have muscles. Men work out. Muscles are sensitive to insulin. Blood sugar is better controlled.
Now there are other muscles that are affected in men with diabetes. The autonomic nervous system, which controls the cardiovascular, intestinal and reproductive systems, is especially sensitive to high glucose levels. These nerves are not covered in a protective myelin sheath as are most other nerves, and can therefore be destroyed if insulin levels are not controlled. If your diabetes is well controlled with diet, exercise and medication, these nerves — and the systems they control —will function just fine.
Dr. Bernstein emphasizes that although as a man you have some disadvantages when living with diabetes — like a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and erectile dysfunction — you also have to use what you’ve got to manage your diabetes: your muscles. So, join a gym and start flexing!
Follow this link for a list of gyms in the New York City area.
Dr. Bernstein is director of the Diabetes Management Program at the Friedman Diabetes Institute [http://www.friedmandiabetesinstitute.com/about_us/]. As an endocrinologist, Dr. Bernstein helps people with diabetes manage their disease. He recently attended the annual research meeting of the American Diabetes Association.
This makes no sense as I have found recently starting resistance training in the gym. I’m type 1 and use insulin.
If this statement is true “In fact, research shows that resistance training — working your muscles — increases levels of the protein irisin. Irisin stimulates the production of brown fat , which turns into muscle when we work out.” Then… as I have found I gained not lost weight. I put on 15 pounds of muscle and my body fat stayed the same. I figure i have to do much more cardio training to lose body fat. Right now I’m doing cardio but just building muscle very fast.
Thanks for your comment Jeff. Dr. Bernstein had this to say: “When you have achieved your goal further training would be best in moderation. It is probably a good idea to maintain some body fat unless you plan to be a competetive body builder. When you create more muscle you have added additional glucose burning potential so other adjustments may be required. Working with a CDE would be very helpful. For people with Type 2 diabetes Irisin improves insulin senitivity which is not usually an issue in Type 1.”