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. ♡
Diabulimia Awareness 
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