Eating the right foods – Alan’s story

After joining the Healthier You service, Alan managed to reverse his pre-diabetic diagnosis with sustainable changes to his diet and lifestyle.

The delivery of NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is structured by setting goals, monitoring activity, reviewing progress, and supporting continuously. Our qualified Health Coaches are on hand to support at every stage of the programme.

Alan tells us about his journey on the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme:

“Before joining the programme, I was slightly overweight but very active. I don’t drink alcohol and followed what I considered to be a reasonably healthy diet, so it came as a big surprise to be told I was pre diabetic by my GP.

“I’ve learnt a lot from the sessions about portion control and what to cut down on. I’ve stopped adding sugar to my tea, stopped snacking in between meals, and I now monitor my carbohydrate intake in particular eating a lot less potatoes and bread.”

Our Health Coaches provide information about impactful eating, how to feel fuller for longer, eating out at social occasions, eating healthily on a budget, and preparing meals.

“I have changed my eating habits overall, and I eat much smaller portions - particularly in the evening. I make sure I eat a high protein breakfast most mornings, always including an egg. I continue to eat lots of fruit and vegetables and have since increased the amount of fish I eat too.

“Since joining the programme, I have managed to reverse my pre-diabetic diagnosis and lost 11kg with the support of the Health Coaches. My HbA1c level is now back to where it was pre-2020!”

Our Health Coaches are there to celebrate participants’ journeys as they reach their goals and achieve positive results, enabling them to set new goals for the future.

“Without the Healthier You programme I wouldn’t have achieved these results; I now have more energy and enthusiasm for everyday tasks.”