Why every bodybuilder must own a glucometer
A glucometer is a small medical device that measures the concentration of glucose in your blood.
Chances are you’ve seen someone in your family use it, because it’s a must-have for diabetics (and let’s face it, we all have a diabetic person in our extended family).
Why must enhanced bodybuilders use it?
Firstly, a glucometer allows us to keep an eye on our blood sugar levels when using Growth Hormone, any of its secretagogues or Insulin.
Having this information can help us prevent insulin resistance (and the many health problems that come with it) by letting us know if we need to reduce carb intake, take ancillaries to bring blood glucose down, adjust our insulin dose (if we are using it), etc…
Secondly, even if we are not using any PEDs that can increase blood sugar levels, just bulking up and eating a large amount of carbs can be enough to spike our blood sugar levels and eventually put us in a state of insulin resistance, which is why any bodybuilder who is on a heavy bulking diet should also monitor their blood sugar levels.
How are you supposed to use it?
Well, you simply have to prick your finger with the needle of the glucometer and place a drop of blood on the test strip, then introduce it into the glucometer. Every glucometer has instructions on how to use it and most work in the same way, so don’t worry about the specific process until you have a glucometer in your hands.
When are you supposed to use it?
You want to get your levels tested upon waking up (fasted blood glucose levels) and then 2 hours after a big meal with plenty of carbs.
- Your fasting blood sugar levels should be between 80 and 100mg/dl or 4.4 to 5.5nmol/L.
- Your post-meal blood sugar levels should be below 140mg/dl or 7.8nmol/L.
Anything below that, and you have hypoglycemia. Anything above that, and you have hyperglycemia.
If you are hypoglycemic, it means you either have to lower your insulin dose (if you are using it, ofc), increase your carb intake or lower your dose of blood sugar-lowering supps and meds like Berberine, Chromium & Metformin.
If you are hyperglycemic, you have to do the exact opposite of the above. Increase your insulin dose (if you are using it), decrease your carb intake and/or increase your intake of blood sugar-lowering supps and meds like Berberine (300-500mg before carb-loaded meals) or Chromium Picolinate (200mcg before carb-laoded meals) or Metformin (about 500mg a day).
Normal blood glucose levels ensure that you are as insulin sensitive as possible, allowing you to minimize fat accumulation, maximize muscle growth, facilitate fat loss and protect your overall health.
That is why you MUST own a glucometer and use it on a regular basis. Your physique, health and well-being will thank you.
