I’m Anthony Bailes, a professional bodybuilder living with Type 1 Diabetes.
Date Of Birth : 08-06-1977
Birthplace : County Durham / UK
Residence : Tyne and Wear / UK
Occupation : Gym Owner / Manager, IFBB Pro Bodybuilder
Height : 5 feet 6.5 Inches
Offseason Weight : 240lbs
Contest Weight : 205 – 210lbs
Favourite Quote – “Masakatsu Agatsu” ( True Victory Is Victory Over Oneself )
Q. How long have you had diabetes for?
9 Years
Q. Pens or Pump?
Pens
Q. How often do you check your blood glucose?
Normally x6 times per day. It depends on my control. On a bad day it could be more
Q. Recent A1C?
7.0 %
Q. What aspect of diabetes holds you back from bodybuilding the most?
As a diabetic, the body doesn’t absorb nutrients as efficiently as a healthy body. This has an impact on muscle growth and when manipulating carbs and water in the final week of contest prep.
Muscle loss, water retention and inflammation are an issue during hyperglycemia.
Q. Top 3 Tips for managing your diabetes?
1. The most obvious – Eat the bulk of your diet from clean single ingredient foods. You can enjoy a treat every now and again. But, don’t get carried away. Always ensure you dose your insulin correctly
2. Do cardio. My blood glucose and insulin sensitivity are much better when I do cardio. Especially, in the hours after doing a little HIIT cardio. This includes the off-season.
3. Don’t let your body fat get too high. Insulin sensitivity suffers when you get too fat. My days of getting very heavy in the offseason are over.
Q. What single piece of advice would you give someone living with diabetes looking to do well in bodybuilding?
As bodybuilders, we like to have complete control of our diets and training. However, with diabetes, you will never have 100% control. You can only do your best. NO matter how strict or meticulous you are, some days your blood glucose will go out of range for no reason. It happens. Don’t beat yourself up about it and get frustrated!
Do your best and accept you might have a bad day every now and again.
Roll with it and take one day at a time!
Check out IFBB Pro Body Builder with his copy of The Diabetic Muscle and Fitness Guide
” In-depth and comprehensive – you’ve done yourself proud with this one Phil! ” – Anth Bailes
