Hyperthyroidism
Question:
I have an enlarged thyroid gland with hyperthyroidism. My blood pressure rises above average when I am under stress, but is normal at rest. My doctor is now asking nuclear medicine specialists for treatment suggestions. In any case, he has advised me not to do any sport. My maximum heart rate is 202, even after months of training I never got into the 120 to 140 heart rate range, but was always above it. My doctor told me that this was due to hyperthyroidism. Is this true, and can I really not do any more sport?
Answer from Dr Merkl:
Hyperthyroidism is a pathological overproduction of thyroid hormones, which leads to an increased breakdown of protein and carbohydrates as well as an increased basal metabolic rate in fat metabolism. In this clinical picture, practically all cells in the body are fundamentally impaired to some extent, which also affects other cell functions. Patients should generally be prohibited from exercising until the unbalanced metabolic situation has normalised again. In addition to medication, surgical treatment should be discussed with a specialist. This promises long-term success with 90 per cent certainty, so that you will soon be able to cycle again.
Testosterone
Question:
I have read that the body's own testosterone level supposedly falls as a result of long-term endurance training. Is it advisable to raise it again with supplements if necessary?
Answer from Dr Merkl:
No, because this is doping - a doctor risks his licence if he prescribes such preparations in such a case, an athlete risks his health. Testosterone has an effect on sexual characteristics and favours the build-up of protein in the skeletal muscles. In certain forms of anaemia (lack of red blood cells) or muscle atrophy, this effect has been exploited. In sport, many people abuse anabolic steroids as a training supplement. Although the skeletal muscles grow due to increased fluid retention and weight increases, this does not necessarily mean that strength also increases. The most important finding for cyclists is that anabolic steroids do not lead to an increase in endurance performance. On the other hand, acne, hair loss, breast development in men and children, enlargement of the clitoris and a deep voice in women, as well as increasing aggressiveness, can be observed. In addition, liver damage cannot be ruled out and the risk of heart attack increases. The latest studies also suggest a carcinogenic effect, as anabolic steroids weaken the immune system.
Cholesterol
Question:
How does cycling affect my cholesterol levels? Can I lower my cholesterol levels by exercising regularly?
Answer from Dr Merkl:
The transport of fats and fat-like substances in the blood takes place in the form of lipoproteins, fatty protein compounds. These contain cholesterol, among other things. Elevated cholesterol levels contribute to vascular calcification and are therefore a risk factor for serious cardiovascular diseases. People with a value of more than 260 milligrams of cholesterol per decilitre of blood have a greatly increased risk of developing angina pectoris or a heart attack. A value of less than 200 milligrams per decilitre is considered healthy. If you have high cholesterol, you should first and foremost follow a low-fat diet and normalise your body weight. In addition, cycling training in the basic range (below 65 per cent of maximum performance for several hours) gives us the opportunity to lower the "bad" LDL (low-density) cholesterol that promotes vascular calcification and to increase the "good" HDL (high-density) cholesterol that protects the blood vessels. Cholesterol has no influence on performance.
Diabetes
Question:
I have type I diabetes. I can no longer go on longer endurance rides, especially those with greater exertion, because I keep having problems with insulin/BE adaptation. I either have hypoglycaemia or my blood sugar levels rise dramatically after exercise. What can you recommend for my cycle training?
Answer from Dr Merkl:
In the group of type I diabetics, the body's insulin production is completely disrupted and patients are dependent on insulin injections. It is difficult for this group to take part in endurance sports. The sugar level must be optimally adjusted - in co-operation with a doctor experienced in diabetes. For short periods of exercise (up to one hour), I advise you to increase the dose of carbohydrates. You should postpone the insulin injection until after the exercise and the subsequent blood sugar check. For long journeys, experts recommend increasing the intake of carbohydrates and reducing the insulin dose (by 30 to 50 per cent before and after exercise). If blood sugar levels are high before training, long rides are not recommended. You should also have an experienced training partner with you who is aware of the risk of hypoglycaemia so that you can react quickly in the event of unconsciousness. Quickly absorbable carbohydrate solutions or the injection of an ampoule of glucagon, which you should have with you during training, are quick saviours. Even after the initial emergency treatment, you should continue to eat sugar.
