More than half of our surveyed members with type 2 diabetes reported putting their condition into remission – with 81% seeing an improvement in their blood glucose management and 61% able to reduce or stop taking their diabetes medication completely*.
NHS nurse Donna shares how she turned her health around...
I’ve struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. As a teenager, I felt I weighed more than my friends, and I often ate emotionally – happy or sad, I’d turn to food. I’ve tried many fad diets over the years – you name it, I’ve probably tried it! I found that I could lose weight, but I’d quickly put it all back on again when the diet came to an end.
When my weight tipped over 16st, my GP prescribed tablets to help with my high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Working in the health sector, I was embarrassed I’d let it get this far. I knew the possible outcomes of these conditions, and it made me nervous thinking about what my future could look like if I didn’t turn my health around.
In January 2023, I was ready to make a change – I just wasn’t sure where to start. My friend Janet mentioned that she also wanted to lose weight, so we decided to go along to a Slimming World group together.
I was worried that getting weighed each week would be stressful and embarrassing... I soon realised it was anything but. The number on the scales is kept confidential between you and the person weighing you, and I find that weighing in helps me stay motivated and accountable. Everyone in group is so friendly and supportive, too – we really are all in it together.
By February 2024, I’d lost 6st 2½lbs (39kg) following Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising. Before I joined, I’d often skip breakfast, and that meant I’d have huge portions of the rest of my meals to make up for it. Now, I love breakfast and usually choose something like Weetabix with sliced banana. I’ve also swapped convenience food for Slimming World recipes, and I always have Slimming World food range meals in the freezer for when I’m tight on time.
My husband enjoys the same dishes as me (Food Optimised curry and slimming-friendly chilli are two of our favourites!), so there’s no need to spend time preparing different meals. As a busy nurse, I needed a way to lose weight that would fit in with my lifestyle – and I’ve found it with Slimming World.
After I reached my target weight, my doctor told me that I’d put my type 2 diabetes into remission, and I was also able to reduce my blood pressure medication. It’s not just my health that’s improved, either – I’ve boosted my fitness, through Slimming World’s activity support programme, Body Magic. These days I love going for walks with friends, and I’m even learning to play golf! The cherry on top is that I’m now an active granny and can run around with my grandchildren. I’ve gone from fearing for my future to having a brand-new lease of life, and I’ve made some great friends along the way!
If you’re concerned about diabetes and want to slim down, we’ll support you all the way to your dream weight. You can find out more about joining Slimming World here.
Robert Ince, who runs the Slimming World group in Inverness that Donna attends, says: ‘Donna is such an inspirational member and it’s been amazing to watch her journey unfold.
‘Our group is a safe space filled with support and encouragement. Donna regularly shares ideas and gets involved in conversations, and always cheers everyone on.’
*Results throughout refer to members with type 2 diabetes who’d lost at least 10% of their body weight.
Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.