Inspiration Exchange Stories


My experience with diabetes and celiac disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease where the immune system responds to the ingestion of gluten in susceptible individuals (gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley). That immune system response damages the digestive system, which leads to malabsorption of nutrients and other related health issues.
I suffered from all these symptoms and more before I knew I was living with celiac disease alongside diabetes. I spent 30 years of my life feeling bad. I had achy joints, terrible stomach pain, and uncontrollable blood sugars. I was initially diagnosed with gastroparesis and was prescribed Metoclopramide or Reglan to treat it. I followed the doctor’s advice and took the medication with no relief. Not to mention the drug side effects, tardive dyskinesia (uncontrollable facial twitching)! I was feeling frustrated and helpless, so I started to do my own research.
To read the rest of Alicia B's story go to https://bit.ly/2PVfxjm to hear what she uncovered in her personal research.