I was diagnosed type 2 back in Mrach of '08. I joined Gold's on July 8th of this year. I work out about 3-4 days a week. I do about 20-30 minutes of cardio followed by circuit training for all the major muscle groups. I have become a gym rat and my BG readings are starting to become very good. I average between 80-105 at night and then 65-85 in the mornings. I have also vastly improved my strength. A couple of weeks ago I was able to bench press 385 lbs. That is the strongest I have ever been in my life. Even before becoming diabetic I wasn't that strong. All the hard lifting I had been doing was beginning to payoff. I got quite a few compliments from the other guys in the gym. Then the big setback happened. The next day I came in and was on my third rep of 345lbs when I felt a rip in left pectoral. I have a partial tear and it is frustrating the heck out of me. I still exercise. I still do the cardio and other weight training, plus the 100+ ab crunches every training session. I tried benching this past week. I was able to do 135 for three sets of 10 on Monday. That felt pretty good so I thought maybe I'd kick it up to 235 for 10 times on Thursday. I was able to do them after warming up, but the muscle started tearing again. This irritates me. I was pressing 315 for reps before I had the tear. I guess my heavy lifting days are over. That sucks but I have managed to lose some weight. I hope to eventually get off the Glucovance. I'm pretty sure that the diabetes didn't precipitate the torn muscle. It was most definitely over-training. I had torn it some years back in college and my pre-diabetes days. But I loved benching heavy. Honestly, it was what I looked forward to every day in the gym. Now, that I can't I am having to refocus on doing more cardio and other lifts. Most people I tell this to simply don't understand that "gotta lift heavy" mindset. I guess it was ingrained into me by years of lifting for football. Anyway, that's my exercise sob story. I'm off to the gym after work today and I hope to be back on the bench soon.

I used to work as an athletic trainer for football teams, then in physical therapy offices.  I believe that you do have a good understanding of  your body how to work out.  I can tell that you are driven to work out and work through, not around pain.  However, a registered physical therapist may have some information on how to work out with a torn muscle.  If you have good insurance, it will only cost you a copay per visit.  I don't think you would need more than a few visits to learn what would benefit you.  Make sure you go to one that works with serious athletes.  It may be well worth your money.  I have received physical therapy as well as administered it and I know it can offer a lot, even to you and i who know about exercise and our bodies.

That's really good advice. I asked some of the bodybuilder types in the gym and one said, "Just do like me and take pain pills and keep training until you need surgery" I think he was being sarcastic, but I've heard plenty of horror stories about having a completely torn pectoral. I just work out now for fun, and I'll admit it, ego. I thought maybe an MRI may shed some light on how torn it may be. I may just take a month or so off from bench press, to give it time to heal and then re-evaluate it after that. Also, I've been making sure to get plenty of protein. I do so many other types of lifts without using my chest that I'd still be "strong". Though it was such an ego boost for me watching people look in amazement as I press 345lbs five or six times :) And then be able to say to them, "not bad for a diabetic, eh?"

You can build some pretty good muscles with cardio, too (not to mention strengthening the heart muscle) and more cardio may even help you achieve your goal of eliminating the diabetes meds.  Although I do a little bit of various resistance-training moves, the cardio has been a lifesaver for me and my wild and crazy BGs.  Started out with treadmill walking the first few years, eventually added a bike trainer to exercise my 21-speed bike on, then recently added an elliptical.  It's good to mix it up and have some variety.  They all work slightly different muscles.  I do think an MRI or some kind of follow-up on your injury would be advised in your situation.

I just found out that my brother in law will probably have to have surgery on his shoulder AGAIN because he was overdoing it and doing things he wasn't ready for.  If it is as painful as you say, go to a doctor, sooner rather than later, who can help you.  Just waiting a month isn't going to fix it (in my opinion). You don't want to end up with a complete rupture. 

Feel for you man. I just got over a torn lat muscle and finished PT last week. I tore it with a terrific shot on the golf course but missed the last few months of the season due to it. My therapists worked with me very well in helping me get back in shape. I do a lot of stretching twice a day.

Right before the injury I got three injections of a synthetic "Euflexa" in my left knee for the second time. Original high school football injury coming back to haunt me. Then the lat muscle tear causing x-rays which showed my entire spine loaded with arthritis. I am limited to slow walking (3.2 -3.4 mph for 40 minutes). Faster and longer the knee starts up again for several days and the spine acts up as well. Celebrex, Extra Strength Tylenol and lots of ice packs help. I am back in my town's athletic center and did my 40 minutes today, 2.1 miles. Went into the whirlpool afterwards for 15 minutes and feel pretty good tonight following the second consecutive day working out.

My therapist warned me that these muscle tears need time to heal. Before he released me he let me back on the course but said I was not yet ready for the big turn with the driver. I know that all the walking I plan on doing between know and next Spring will help get my legs in shape for the big swing next season. I thought my golf days would be over but I now have hope. I think you will as well.

Best!