Building confidence through healthier habits – Ann’s story

Before joining the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, Ann was doing very little exercise and felt that her diet could be improved. Learning that she had Type 2 diabetes came as a shock, and she knew she needed support to better understand her condition and make positive changes to improve her health. Through the programme, Ann gained the knowledge and confidence needed to make healthier lifestyle choices and take control of her wellbeing.

“Before the programme, I did very little exercise and didn't eat very well. I was shocked to find out that I had Type 2 diabetes. Receiving that news made me realise that I needed to make some changes to my lifestyle. I wanted to understand more about how my diet and daily habits could affect my health and what I could do to improve things moving forward.”

The Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is a free programme designed to help people at risk of Type 2 diabetes make lasting lifestyle changes. Through group sessions, expert guidance, and practical tools, participants learn how to improve their diet, increase physical activity, and manage weight. The programme empowers individuals to take control of their health and reduce their risk of developing diabetes in a supportive and informative environment.

“Since starting the programme, I have been eating better and making healthier choices every day. The advice and support I received helped me understand how small changes can make a difference. I became much more aware of the foods I was eating and how they could impact my blood sugar levels. One of the biggest achievements for me has been reducing my HbA1c, which showed me that the changes I was making were having a positive effect on my health.”

“Seeing those results gave me extra motivation to continue making positive changes and encouraged me to stay focused on improving my wellbeing. I now feel much more confident about what I eat and the choices I make around food. The programme has helped me develop healthier habits, increase my understanding of diabetes and feel more in control of my health. I feel better equipped to continue making positive choices and maintaining these changes in the future.”