Sir Steve Redgrave opens up on debilitating private health battle that left him 'tired and depressed'
Sir Steve Redgrave opens up on debilitating private health battle that left him 'tired and depressed'
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Sir Steve Redgrave has candidly opened up about his health after being diagnosed with a condition following months of being “tired and depressed”.
Redgrave, 61, was told his symptoms could be connected to testosterone deficiency just six months ago by a friend.
It comes after Redgrave was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 35.
“What I’ve been noticing is more weight gain, especially around the stomach area, a little bit more tiredness, culminating in depression – which I would class as the worst side of it," he told the Mirror as he outlined how his latest health condition had impacted him.
The five-time Olympic gold medalist (second from left) was diagnosed with a testosterone deficiency
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Type 2 diabetes, which impacts around 850,000 Britons, is closely linked with testosterone deficiency.
Men who have the deficiency are four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and around half of men with type two diabetes will have low testosterone levels.
The five-time Olympic gold medalist rower added: “I had a grandfather who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in his sixties.
“But I never dreamed that I would develop it. It was probably the furthest condition from my mind.
“Normally a diabetic would be told to exercise more – I’m not sure I could have done that!
“My first thoughts were that my career was over.
“I didn’t think you could be a top athlete with that condition.
“But my consultant said ‘Why not?’”
Sir Steve Redgrave confirmed he exercises three times a week on a static bike and also enjoys playing golf.
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Despite competing in five consecutive Olympic Games, Redgrave now admits he finds it hard to find motivation to exercise from home.
He confirmed he exercises three times a week on a static bike and also enjoys playing golf.
Redgrave, who won the Golden Sports Personality of the Year in 2003, intends to start testosterone replacement therapy and indicated he hopes to receive an injection rather than gel treatment.
He said: “I’m hoping for a bit more get up and go.
Redgrave concluded by urging men to consider whether they might be suffering from low testosterone
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“My eldest daughter is expecting at the moment and I’m looking forward to being a grandparent.
“I want to be fit and healthy – and there are a lot of projects I want to get done around the house.”
Redgrave urged men to consider whether they might be suffering from low testosterone.
He suggested men take a simple blood test if they have weight control issues, tiredness, depression or a low libido.