def loop():d = 0for x in range(12):d+=1 #this 'd' is not the same as the one above.print(d)

In the code above, wouldn't the local variable of the function still be 0? How can I change this to use the function variable instead of the internal variable of the loop?

I think you've gotten confused between scope outside of a function and inside of it.

d = 1
def a():d = 0 # this is a different d from line 1for x in range(12):d += 1 # this is the same d as line 3print(d) # same d as line 3
print(d) # same d as line 1

You probably read about locally scoped variables but have gotten confused. Indenting your line does not create a "new local scope". The only time that happens is within functions.