The Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme participant feedback
How did you feel when you found out you were at high risk of developing diabetes?
I was terrified of its complications and dying.
What was your most important goal you wanted to achieve? What setbacks did you go through and how did you overcome them?
I wanted to go from being prediabetic [score 43] to a normal range score. My cholesterol was also high at 6.5 and I wanted to reduce this to the normal range. My weight was far too high and I needed to reduce that too. I was very strong willed and was determined to get results. I am not sure where the willpower came from as I’ve always struggled in the past to keep to diets etc. Perhaps it started from a terrified position and I knew that I had to do something asap.
What outcomes have you achieved so far?
I have joined Slimming World and have lost 2 stone 8 pounds so far which is more than 10% of my body weight. So therefore my diet has changed completely. I have joined the walking for health group and now do walks with them twice a week which has given me courage to do more walks on my own. I am taking part in the prediabetic course which has been brilliant for me and has helped with all aspects of my life. A week ago my doctor sent me off for some more blood tests to see how I was doing so far. The results were fantastic. My doctor was so pleased to see me and she said I had made her day.
Have other people (for example family and friends) benefitted from you joining the programme? If so, how?
My husband has been on a Slimming World diet too and has lost a stone so far. He has increased his walking every week and is now doing walking football. Some of my friends have been seeing how well I’m getting on with Slimming World and have now joined too.
Is there any advice you would give to to someone looking to start the programme now?
Do it now – you can change your life around. There is so much help out there, grab it by the hand and let them help you. Live well Dorset is a fantastic organisation with help for many problems you may have. They have certainly helped me and without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’ve had diet vouchers for Slimming World to get me started on the weight programme, a counsellor for my overall wellbeing and advice, an introduction to the walking group that is appropriate for me and brilliant service from my doctor who referred me in the first place. And last but not least is the course itself and the brilliant work done by Kathy trying to put right years of bad eating habits. Thank you Kathy. I’ve loved your talks and have gained so much knowledge over the weeks.
