I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about 6 years ago, and it has been an up and down roller coaster. About 8 months ago my A1C was 12. I have been on diets, changed insulin, and it has just gotten worse. I have been taken insulin on and off for the last couple of months, and I have lost lots of weight, which I love and feel good. (I know it's not healthy). As soon as I start taking insulin constitantly again, I feel miserable and swell up like I'm nine months pregnant. My legs, hands, arms, face everything!! So, then I go off insulin again, because I feel much better. Any suggestions on how to not swell so much?
Swelling
- Thread starter Crissy
- Start Date
Hi Crissy
As someone who stopped taking their insulin for 6 years because I wanted to be skinny I know where your coming from.
I also know it's a really bad idea!!
The swelling you get as soon as you start taking your insulin again is water retention and after a week or so of getting your insulin regime back on track this will settle down.
Trust me when I say you need to stop this now before you get into a viscous cycle that is soooo hard to get out of.
The damage you do to yourself , your family, your friends and future is real and irreparable in many cases, that's if your lucky enough to survive.
I was left incontinent, with a tumour in my liver, abscesses on my bottom and head, neuropathy that left me housebound for a year and wanting to die just to be free of the pain.
I'm sorry if this seems a bit full on but because I know what could happen to you I really need you to understand this is not a road you want to go down.
I post this advice whenever the word 'swelling' is mentioned. Those of you that know me will remember that my severe oedema lower legs, feet and ankles was thought to be the result of a Stage 3 kidney condition. That diagnosis was proved wrong when I had an echocardiogram - I was found to be suffering from Congestive Heart Failure with 63% functioning and enlarged left ventricle. I advise all those with persistent oedema to ask for this examination. My CHF was, of course, probably due to my Diabetes.
Natalie1974
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 871
- Type of diabetes
- Type 1
- Treatment type
- Insulin
Hi @Crissy
I know weight gain can be a terrible side effect...and can really bring you down but please...don't stop taking your insulin!!! The long term damage you are doing to yourself by doing this is irreparable...and there are other ways of losing weight.
Have you tried LCHF? I have struggled with my weight for many years...don't get me wrong...I've never been vastly overweight...one or two stones max but I know how depressing this can be...and quite hard to shift when following the general diet advice for Diabetics. However since discovering the forum I have discovered Low carbing and have so fast lost about 10 pounds in about 10 weeks...I've seen a marked improvement in my HBA1c already...I'm eating a far better diet than ever before and I feel so much healthier. Please check out the Low carb forum and take a look at the success stories...it's a far healthier way of controlling your diabetes and your weight.
I'm unsure about the swelling...but would imagine this is due to poorly controlled BG and quite likely will right itself once you gain some control of your diabetes, although I'm sure someone else will be able to advise. Either way...I would definitely recommend a visit to your Diabetes clinic and having a go at getting yourself back on track.
I know weight gain can be a terrible side effect...and can really bring you down but please...don't stop taking your insulin!!! The long term damage you are doing to yourself by doing this is irreparable...and there are other ways of losing weight.
Have you tried LCHF? I have struggled with my weight for many years...don't get me wrong...I've never been vastly overweight...one or two stones max but I know how depressing this can be...and quite hard to shift when following the general diet advice for Diabetics. However since discovering the forum I have discovered Low carbing and have so fast lost about 10 pounds in about 10 weeks...I've seen a marked improvement in my HBA1c already...I'm eating a far better diet than ever before and I feel so much healthier. Please check out the Low carb forum and take a look at the success stories...it's a far healthier way of controlling your diabetes and your weight.
I'm unsure about the swelling...but would imagine this is due to poorly controlled BG and quite likely will right itself once you gain some control of your diabetes, although I'm sure someone else will be able to advise. Either way...I would definitely recommend a visit to your Diabetes clinic and having a go at getting yourself back on track.
