Diabetes, low testosterone, and powerlifting

I'm a 33 year old male powerlifter who has also been insulin dependant diabetic for the last 21 years. I compete in the 308 lb weight class and have never used anabolic steroids.

I moved about 18 months ago and went to a new endocrinologist who diagnosed me with insulin resistance. I changed insulin to Humalog and Lantis. I started Actose, and gained 40 lbs over the next year without changing my diet or training routine. Training has been off for almost 2 years. I stay sorer and it takes a couple of cups of coffee to get me fired up in the gym. I’ve been able push through it.

Last fall I began to discuss the health problems I was having, including a complete disinterest in sex and difficulty attaining and maintaining an erection with my endocrinologist. It was also during that time that my wife began to pressure me about possibly having an affair or decreased testosterone. She also started to complain that my short term memory was shot.

I talked to my doctor, who adjusted my insulin and tried (unsuccessfully because of concerns over my job) to sell me on an insulin pump, but it didn't help the blood glucose drops and my sex drive now is even worse. ". I stopped the Actose at his advice, underwent a complete thryroid profile, and did an overnight dex suppression test but all tests were normal.

I finally caved and did a male hormone profile through ZRT labs in an attempt to pacify my wife the end of last month. I thought the results would come back normal, but much to my surprise it didn't. I had the following results: Estradiol 32 pg/ml (12-56), Testosterone 171 ng/ml (400-1200), SHBG: 39 nmol/L (15-50), PSA 1.3 ng/ml (0.5-4.0). Free Testosterone index: 0.2 (0.7-1.0)

My problem now is how do I approach my doctor with these results, especially considering I went to an outside laboratory without consulting with him? I’m especially concerned because of the weight training I do.

[badbetacells]

I would just matter of factly show him the results to get his opinion/feedback. Perhaps he'd want to order the tests himself this time, again, only to see if they're consistent with the company you tried.

If he gets an attitude that you "went behind his back," find another doc. I'm done with egos.

Just my .02

[JDRF Volunteer SG]

I absolutely agree. There is nothing wrong with taking things into your own hands when suggestions from your doctor have not helped. I would indeed take the results to your doctor and discuss. Doctors are human and of course they are going to go with the most typical tests and solutions. Sometimes the more rare problems completely go undiagnosed. Furthermore, an endocrinologist is going to naturally test for endocrine gland problems that are typical in diabetic people, and a problem that is rarer can just slip under the radar. A good doctor will be happy that you have found the source of the problem and will work with you from this point to try to solve it.

[kitcurious]

"If he gets an attitude that you "went behind his back," find another doc. I'm done with egos. "
Applause to that sentiment!!!

[KevinHarney]

Agreed.  Any Doctor that does not embrace significant information is not worth his/her salt.  Most doctors are happy to have more information.  The more the better.  I say no worries mate.  Either way you win.  Dr says thank you and helps you or you get a better dr.  Also, dont forget that this is not that Doctors speciality.  Dr. that you went to was an ENDO not one specializing in ED.

[nzdiabetic]

Hi Im also a type 1 diabetic on insulin sex drive can be boosted from eating ginsing caps wow your wife will love ya for this.Many finger ***** blood tests per day work realy well in conjunction with a super fast acting insulin.I also lose sex drive when sugar levels are high,all is great when they are normal

[nzdiabetic]

Hi Im also a type 1 diabetic on insulin sex drive can be boosted from eating ginsing caps wow your wife will love ya for this.Many finger ***** blood tests per day work realy well in conjunction with a super fast acting insulin.I also lose sex drive when sugar levels are high,all is great when they are normal

[DennisIDDM]

well, it's natural to go blaming everyone else, but what is at the root cause...
Your T1 Diabetes and your Not getting any younger my friend.. Remember, T1 is a Progressive Disease, regardless if your have Perfect 5% A1c's and never go above 140, 2 hrs after eating! Time takes it toll.. this Disease wants to Destroy us, it already destroyed our Islet cells and  an ave of 25% of our Immune system. Odds are? Your Endo Knows, it's just he doesn't want to be the Bearer of Bad News.. We T1's need a More Consistant Lifestyle and a Insulin Pump and without it? You haven't a chance..at a Long life.. It's really that simple my fellow T1..Sorry about that, but that's just the way it is, until they find a cure for us.. Your  Hypo's are going to get more frequent & worse and Hyper's will follow and then There goes the EyeSight... I see it all the time..

[Ed181]

I am a type 1 diabetic.... same problem. There are a lot of factors to get an errection. Nerve function, smothing muscles, blood flow... so whats the answer? Why is this happening to diabetics. It is rather simple.... when pro-insulin divides, it becomes the insulin we all know and wish we had, and C-Peptide. For some reason, researchers thought c-peptide is a waste product... oops...what a blunder!
Turns out C-peptide binds to a receptor at the cell surface and activates signal transduction pathways that result in stimulation of  and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), both of which are enzymes with reduced activitities in diabetes.
So what happens when you add C-Peptide to a type one diabetic.... amazingly.... in just 3-6 months, the sensory nerves wake up again..., blood pressure goes back to normal , kidney function improves... muscle smoothness returns...nitric oxide... (can read about eNOS on ED sites).... If you look at an ED site...and what C-Peptide does.... this is what we need.... and should have been getting all along if researcher didn't make up their minds it is a waste product.
A company in Sweden, Creative Peptides is doing the research, but is finding it hard to get research money. It seems the peptide has been known about since the 1960s...so no exclusive patients... meaning less profit...so nobody wants to pay for the research.
But here is their site... have hope...it is coming.... it should be here now... but the system *****.... C-Peptide...the diabetics viagra...
http://www.creativepeptides.se/