My story.

by H. Ali

I’ve decided as a recovered diabulimic, it would benefit others to share my story. I hope as you read this with an open mind you will be inspired to seek the help you need.

I was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic at the age of 15. I never struggled with my body image until I turned 18. I remembered that when I was undiagnosed with diabetes I lost a lot of weight. I wanted to lose weight so I decided to decrease my insulin intake, which was the biggest mistake of my life. I have always struggled with my mental health so it’s no surprise to me that I developed an eating disorder, but the extreme measures I took were unexpected. I lost over 50 pounds, my muscles became weak, I was weak. I could barely stand for five minutes. Because of my weak muscles, I tore multiple muscles in my body and tore cartilage in my knee. I now attend physiotherapy for this issue. The worst outcome was developing neuropathy. With my extremely high glucose levels due to restricting my insulin intake, my nerves damaged. I experienced the worst pain in my life, I could not sleep, I could not do anything without thinking of my pain. I could not even brush my hair because it hurt so badly. Thankfully I decided to take my insulin regularly as my neuropathy took over my life. I was on multiple pain medications that didn’t help. Now I take medications daily to help manage the pain in my legs and feet. I wish I didn’t wait until I developed neuropathy to start changing my life.

Not only did restricting my insulin effect my body physically, but mentally I had no life. I had no friends, people would always talk about my weight, I had zero self confidence and would keep to myself all the time. Now as I gained weight I became more confident in myself, I have friends, my family supports me, and I feel so much better physically and mentally.

Diabulimia is not one, but the most deadliest eating disorder. The constant vomiting, feeling faint, feeling pain, high glucose levels, and ketones are not worth it. Being skinny is not worth it if you feel like death. I was hoping by sharing my story people could see that there are long-term effects. I never thought I would develop neuropathy, tear my muscles, and even have my blood vessels pop in my eye from my insulin restriction. Life will never be worth it if you live like that, and the high glucose levels will eventually effect you long-term. Don’t wait for something serious to happen like me. Take action now.

If you or anyone is struggling with diabulimia please seek help. Multiple doctors told me I was going to die but I’m now happy and healthy as ever. I promise it’s not worth it, do yourself the biggest favor and get the help you need. This website will provide different resources to get help, and discussion pages where people can share their stories and read the stories of others like mine.

Thank you for listening to my story, I hope I was able to encourage you to seek the proper mental and medical help you need. ♡


Comments

10 responses to “My story.”

  1. I’m so proud of you for coming so far and not giving up. Having a diagnosis of something that is life threatening is a really hard thing to carry. I really hope you continue this journey as the strongest girl I know. 🥺 You’re such a strong girl, ever since I met you, you’ve shown me what humbleness is. Soo humble and the sweetest soul I’ve ever met:) Mashallah, I am always gonna be proud of you. For anyone that can see this, Helene is such a caring person. I remember when I was going through a rough time in my life not so long ago, she took her time to drop off one bottle of meds for me. Knowing the distance from her place to mine, it made me realize that there are truly people that are battling the hardest and most challenging things in life. Yet they will always put others first🥺 I am soooo proud of u helenelicious:)♥️♥️♥️ love u

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You are the sweetest person ever. Thank you for your kind words my angel. You are just as strong as me and if not, you’re stronger. I wish you all the best and all the happiness in the world. I’m so glad I have someone as sweet and kind as you in my life. I love you so much my sweet angel you truly touched my heart ❤

      Like

  2. Maria ali Avatar
    Maria ali

    Very informative and vital information. There’s not a lot of places talking about this disorder, I salute for you bringing light on this matter, may god bless you and keep helping you recover through this journey of healing!!!

    Like

    1. Thank you for the beautiful words. May God bless you as well!

      Like

  3. Luna Ali Avatar
    Luna Ali

    alright who’s cutting the onions here. I’m so proud of you Helen I read all of that with tears in my eyes. Not because I’m sad, but because I’m so proud you’ve come so far. I know I don’t know you that well but I’m silently rooting for you. I pray every day gets better for you and you see yourself the way everyone sees you. A beautiful, resilient and kind-hearted individual. Thank you for sharing your story. I don’t know what it’s like to go through what you’ve been through but I know hating your body is not a nice feeling to have. Body image means nothing in today’s day because social media is always changing its standards. As long as you’re happy (which I hope u are), healthy, and safe, that’s all that matters. May God continue to watch over you and help you move forward in life ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. I turned the notifications on so I can see when my baddie queen posts more content 🤗🤗🤗

    Like

    1. I love you so much thank you my sweet angel for taking the time to read my story and for getting so emotional. This is the kind of impact I wanted to make 🤍 from what I know about you you’re such a smart sweet girl and inshallah you achieve everything you want to because I just know you’re so hard working. You’re just as strong as I am. Thank you for your kind message your words touched my heart 🤍

      Like

  4. aiya ali Avatar
    aiya ali

    Helen, I can say that you are the most resilient women I have ever met. I admire you for coming out and sharing your story and I know just by this you have already inspired others to share theirs. I can not imagine the pain and suffering you went through but I can not be happier to hear that you did all you could to overcome the hardships and keep going. I love you and can’t wait to see you grow and continue to inspire others.

    Like

    1. Thank you for all the sweet words my love. I have so much love for you and I always will, you made a big impact on my life I hope you know that. Thank you for taking the time to read and reply to my story it means so much to me. Inshallah you’re doing well I wish you all the best 🤍

      Like

  5. Julianne Avatar
    Julianne

    I am beyond proud of you Helen. It takes so much to write this up and put it out there to help others. You have overcome so much! I am always so grateful to know you. You are such a wonderful human being that deserves to live life to the fullest. Keep doing amazing things in this world, I forever love you girl.

    Like

    1. I truly love you with all my heart, thank you for your sweet comment. You are such a strong beautiful girl, I can’t wait to witness all you accomplish. I love you forever

      Like

Leave a reply to dari Cancel reply