Feeling good – Alan’s story

Alan was referred to Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, when his blood glucose levels were recorded at a prediabetic state by his GP. Due to ongoing health issues, Alan wasn’t exercising as much as he usually did and wanted to work on reducing his risks of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Hear in his own words how Alan managed to implement the changes needed, helping him to feel better in himself.

“Prior to joining Healthier You, I was quite poorly with having prostate cancer and a hernia (both now solved by operations). Before my illnesses I thought of myself as being quite fit, although I was prone to overeating. As I was recovering from surgery, I was doing a lot less exercise than normal, I was quite happy eating sugary foods and too many carbohydrates.”

Our Health and Wellbeing Coaches deliver informative sessions to groups of around 20 like-minded individuals. The sessions are designed to help participants understand the influence of different types of sugars on health, weight control and diabetes prevention.

“Since attending Healthier You sessions, I have returned to my normal level of exercise, which includes two hours of walking a day, allotment work, gardening and collecting logs for the wood burner.”

Our sessions focus on the understanding of diabetes, knowing how to eat well, identifying triggers, and increasing physical exercise and activity. These key elements benefit participants, and help them to feel fitter, healthier and happier after just a few sessions.

“I have cut out biscuits and sugary foods and reduced my intake of carbs and dairy and I am now much more conscious about the foods that we buy. I’ve achieved positive results since starting the programme and lost 1.5 stone as a result.

“Although I’m still awaiting a further HbA1C test to track my progress with blood glucose levels, I’m feeling much more positive about my diet. I’ve even had to acquire some new clothes to match my now slim figure!”