07.25.2004:How search for perfect physique led to Scottish bodybuilder's death

From the Scottsman, full article here:

"LOUISE Nuttall-Halliwell was a vibrant woman pursuing her dream of creating the perfect body.

The pursuit of excellence robbed her of her greatest asset - life.

And in her tragic death is a cautionary tale to those who seek perfection through the short-cut of drugs.

After a long period of secrecy over the whereabouts and condition of "Scotland's strongest woman", The Scotsman has learned that Ms Nuttall-Halliwell, 38, died four months ago from a streptococcal infection allied to a hypoxic brain injury.

Her death is consistent with a non-diabetic person taking insulin, a drug known to be used by many bodybuilders.

It has become increasingly popular with bodybuilders and other sportsmen and women because it is undetectable in testing. And in conjunction with anabolic steroids it maintains new muscle mass and "fuels" the body with carbohydrate energy.

The drug is a life preserver for diabetics, but in a healthy person, energy and oxygen to the brain are severely restricted.

It was yesterday likened to dicing with death. "