T1D + Body Change

No one prepared me for the physical changes my body would go through after being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. The changes were even more drastic because I went into Diabetic Ketoacidosis.
DKA is an acute, major, life-threatening complication of diabetes that mainly occurs in patients with Type 1 Diabetes that can lead to diabetic coma or even death. Basically, my pancreas was not producing enough insulin which allows my body to use sugar from carbohydrates I eat for energy or to store glucose for future use. When your cells don't get the glucose they need for energy, your body starts to burn fat for fuel, and ketones are produced as an acidic byproduct of the fat burned for energy.
One of the common symptoms of DKA is weight loss. Some people notice significant weight loss, but I probably lost between 3-5 lbs at most. The rapid weight loss is due to your body burning fat and muscle for energy and severe dehydration which causes extreme thirst and constant urination. I only have a few pictures of myself between December 2016 and February 2017 (the months leading up to DKA), and I can tell that my face looks more sunken in. I also remember how hungry I was (another symptom of DKA) and noticed how I wasn't gaining any weight from the extra food I was eating.

I had no idea that insulin was a fat storing hormone, yet less what insulin even was before I was diagnosed. I wish someone had explained the potential changes my body would go through in the months following my diagnosis.

It was a drastic change for me. I had NEVER weighed that much in my entire life. I remember seeing the number flash on the scale in my Endocrinologist's office and felt completely helpless. I fought back tears as my Endo entered the room and I brought up the weight gain. Two months after diagnosis my doctors were happy to see I was gaining weight because it meant that my cells were getting the nutrients they were depleted from for so long. Three months later, I had gained even more weight and still hadn't started my period. Sorry, if that is TMI, but don't worry. Skipping menstruation periods after DKA is also normal. It was all such a drastic difference in such a short time. I just wanted my body to go back to normal! People are so quick to say, "Oh, shut up. You look great." But little did they know...

I'd go home and cry because none of my underwear fit me anymore. I was limited to only a couple pairs of jeans. I worked out every single day in the month of May and saw no progress. It was so discouraging. I turned to my T1D friends and even total strangers on social media for advise and comfort. Every woman I spoke to shared that they had gained weight after going on insulin and tried explaining to me that my body went through a lot and was still adjusting. They urged me that it would get use to the insulin and eventually go back to my normal weight if I kept up with my low carb diet and my regular exercise routine.

I was absolutely terrified to see the number on the scale at my recent Endocrinologist appointment. I knew I would instantly break down in tears if I saw a higher number than the last. Luckily, the number was 4 pounds lower than my previous weight! I was completely relieved. My diabetes management and A1C impressed my Endo so much that she recommended I follow up in 4 months rather than three! I feel as if I got an A+ in Diabetes Management class. haha

After 8 months of exercise, low carb diet, and waaaay fewer sweets than I use to eat, I'm finally seeing progress. It's been a tough year for me physically, mentally, and emotionally. But I wanted to share where I am. Right now. This is me. Unedited and here to talk to anyone who may be going through something similar. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.