Making every day active – Karen’s story

Following a routine appointment and blood tests, Karen was diagnosed by her GP as being pre diabetic. Karen’s GP suggested the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme to reduce her risks of further developing the disease.

“My mum was insulin dependent diabetic and there was no way I was going down that road. That’s when I was introduced to the healthier you NDPP”, said Karen.

During the first session, participants will meet their Health and Wellbeing Coach and their group, who will remain with them throughout the programme. Fun and interactive support and advice sessions will help them to start their journey with us.

Karen shared: “I took early retirement from work and enjoyed yoga classes and walking my dog. I thought this was enough until I saw a picture of myself, my weight had ballooned to 14.7 stone. I thought I was eating reasonably well, until I became ill, and my GP took some blood tests and informed me I was pre diabetic.”

Participants should already be starting to feel healthier by session five. With ongoing support, they will find out how to make their new, simple lifestyle changes become part of their everyday life - now and in the future.

“Since joining Healthier You, I now eat and buy healthier foods and eating less as a result. I attend the gym four times a week, on top of my daily walks and my three yoga sessions.

“Since the programme I have lost 3 stone 7lbs, and my HbA1C has reduced from 47 to 39. I have more energy now, and I love the gym, it’s good for both my physical and mental health, and as a bonus I have a whole new circle of friends.

“Healthier You gave me the information and tools to make changes to my diet, and I’ve learned that even small changes can make a difference. I would recommend anyone to give the programme a go, and to keep going, and progressing slowly. The progress I’ve made with the support from my Health Coach has given me my self-confidence back, and without it, I don’t think I would be where I am today!”