Diabeties and out of control eating

[thatsdancin]

Hi all, I have posted before but am feeling quite scared at the moment because I dont think I've been taking my body or its health limitations seriously - for years!  I used to be a healthy young girl who ate what normal young girls eat, until I met a boy who introduced me to his obsession with food and working out.  I had a low self-esteem to begin with and of course wanted to be slimmer, but until then, had not been obsessed!  At age 17 I began working out at gym 7 days per week and changed my entire diet - no fat, no dairy, not meat, nothing but lots of carbs and veges.  With that, I created an imbalance in my mind with regards to normal healthy eating and at times would binge insanely for sometimes up to 2 wks at a time, later discovering vomiting.  This horrible cycle is still plaguing me to the point of which I now feel is dangerous.  I first became hypoglycemic at about 22, then at 25 was diagnosed with type 1 diabeties and then in the same year, diagnosed with hypothyroidism and then rheumatoid arthritis.  Around 21 I had a huge stress in my life which I believe (along with the unbalanced eating/exercise obsession)set up the break down of my immune system. The overreating/weight obsession has remained with me the whole time, with diabeties requiring that we focus on food even more it seems to have exaccerbated the issue, plus fluctuating sugar levels, hypo's requiring extra sugar and food, meaning unwanted weight gains etc. etc. and the continued bingeing of ALOT of unhealthy food for a diabetic! Therapy hasnt helped, scared for my body and life. Looking for help!

[Donder]

Hi.  I totally can relate and wanted you to know you're definitely not alone.  Same history.  Same struggles.  I'm still working on it, but I thought you might want to know my seven strategies.  
1.  My "support group" consists of some awesome friends that I hand picked because of they are empathetic, forgiving when I'm not perfect, and they are also striving for wellness and balance--more than just physical exercise.  
2.  Find a good gym.  I have found a gym that promotes a healthy outlook on how you feel vs. what the scale tells you (or your HA1C...). I do not obsess about exercise, but it takes priority in my week because I feel better about everything in my life when I'm physically strong.  I go three to four times per week weight lifting only (two body parts per visit) and I reserve my cardio (20-30 min. 3-4 x per week) for a walk with one of my friends.  This is an important part of my feeling of balance because I can connect and talk with "the regulars" at the gym and with my friend on the walks.  
3.  Be patient.  Not my strongest attribute, but I know that the cycle of binging and obsession with being a "bad diabetic" can catch you up into the thing that started it all--your cyclical failures prove you're not worthy.  You're reversing a negative coping habit--like smoking or chewing your nails.  It is going to take time to melt that out of your arsenal and replace it with something else.
4.  Study the Stages of Grief.  I found that I've been grieving the loss of my health and running away from acceptance for years.  Very eye opening and helps you go easy on yourself.  5.  The only way to stop the cycle of food obsession is to accept the cycle.  It takes time for those of us emotionally attached to food.  It's hard for some people to understand that in a world where the diabetic numbers mean everything--it can feel like they judge you and define who you are in the eyes of every specialist, co-worker, etc.  Don't let yourself fall into a day in, day out judgment.  
6.  Enjoy who you are when you're alone.  Go into solitude and sip tea and notice sunsets and stars--or whatever you enjoy.   Go into it in small doses at first, but gradually spend more reflective time with youself as you get stronger.
7.  Strive to balance your nutrition.  This one seems like it should be my #1, but I've found that I can't get to this point without balancing the other six strategies.  Nutrition is hard to maintain when the obsession grabs you, but just keep trying.  Think of good nutrition as a cycle, forgive yourself for the slip, and move on.  Here's the resource I use(and if they ever drop this free feature on their site, I will cry...)--go to Glucerna.com.  The daily nutrition tracker is a great resource.  Takes some time to plan each day, but it really helps me focus on daily nutrition requirements vs. just carbs or just calories. Now I know when I've had too much protein, too little Vit. C, and I can bolus more accurately based on the carbs.  There is a place to track BS and doses...a journal if you want to track you thoughts, and a great feature with menus and even a printable shopping list.  Whoever created this should get some recognition.

Let me know if you have any questions.  The first step is recognizing the problem.  I think you'll do fine.  Congrats and good luck!

[LOST IN S'VILLE]

The person I date eats everything and anything and says that's why he takes shots. That can't be right can it? Is there any type 2 diabetics that can eat anything no matter how much sugar is in it as long as they take a shot?

[interestinhair]

Hi everyone I was searching the net for somewhere i could chat with other people who were like myself with diabeties, when I fould this.. I hear what you are saying, I was diagnosed with diabeties when I was 11 and am now 20. In that time I have found a lot of difficulties with my diabeties, just in managing it with out it running my life i guess.. I am very lucky with the support of my partner and family but sometimes its not enough.. they cant always understand. I have no issues with too much exercising and not eating enough I have the opposite problem I love eating and hate exercising. I recently bought my own business and with the stress of that and not having enoght time i dont eat and control my diabeties the way i should. I dont really have any advice for you but if you ever wana chat with someone that will understand just let me know.

[cleo2]

I have been Type 1 diabetic for 24 years and have posted a message along with yours pertaining to the same problem you are dealing with.  I too have felt out of control and lost, but knew I had to get control.  There is no magic cure and yes having diabetes makes food issues even worse.  I have read articles where they have stated how much more likely diabetic girls and teenage girls especially tend to have food obsessions.  
You mentioned that therapy didn't help-how about a group of other diabetics around your age.  Maybe talking to them or someone who understands could help.  I have found that can work.  I know this sounds cliche', but are you keeping busy?  Less time to think about food all the time is better.  Try to figure out those things that trigger a binge and see what you can do to eliminate the triggers.  And also don't beat yourself when you goof up-it is not the end of the world-try again the next day.  I used to be such a perfectionist and now I like some things a certain way and let other things go.  I am much more accepting of myself now.

[JDRF-Team-ES]

You are very right to be concerned.  Not only can eating disorders be extremely disruptive and stressful, they can also be very dangerous.  With the added challenge of diabetes, you are certainlty at even greater risk.  When dealing with eating disorders, you need a strong combination of medical and psychological intervention.  Not every therapist out there knows how to deal with eating disorders, so I wouldn't give up on the therapy idea just because it hasn't helped.  I would recommned that you do some research in your area and find a doctor and therapist or medical center that specializes in dealing with the kind of eating obsession you have described.  If you feel that you are in physical danger or simply are at the end of your rope, you mnay want to consider hospitalization.  

I would also encourage you to talk to your physician and friends.  Someone in your circle may know of the perfect reources for treatment in your area.  Eating obsessions have become very prevalent and you will find that you are not alone with your suffering.  Please continue to reach out until you find the resources you need to help you maintain a balnaced and healthy lifestyle.  Please let us know how you are doing.
ES