Sustaining changes – David’s story

David went to his GP for an unrelated issue and was later diagnosed as being pre diabetic. After this shock diagnosis, David tried to make the necessary changes needed but after little improvement to his diagnosis, he was referred to the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. Hear in David’s own words how he managed to reverse his diagnosis:

“I went to the doctors with stomach pains, and was sent for a blood test, which ended up highlighting that I was 48 HbA1c, pre diabetic! Just a few weeks later, I was sent for further blood tests, which caused issues with my travel insurance as I was about to go away on a cruise. My travel insurance deemed this as ongoing medical tests and so my policy was cancelled. After further tests, my results showed 47 HbA1c, pre diabetic, and no further tests were needed, and my travel insurance was reinstated.

“All of this was a wakeup call, and frightened me a little, so my wife and I started to cut down on sugars and portion sizes.

“A few months later, I had my yearly health check, which was still showing as pre diabetic. My GP then referred me to the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.”

Our Health Coaches deliver 40 weeks of NHS approved ongoing support to groups of likeminded people who are on similar journeys. Participants can expect to feel healthier by the time they reach the halfway point of the programme and will be guided on how to sustain the changes they have made and prepared to continue with their lifestyle changes for the future.

We asked David what changes he had made to his lifestyle since joining NDPP, he told us: “I focused on portion control and started to eat more vegetables and fibre. I took on board the number of steps I was doing daily and reduced the amount of alcohol I consume, drinking lager with low sugar levels as an alternative.

“Approaching the end of my time with NDPP, I’ve just had my health checks for the year and all my blood results are at a normal level. Since my first blood reading of HbA1c of 48 last year, and joining the programme, I have lost over two stone in weight.

“Not wanting to be over dramatic, but I can certainly say that NDPP has changed my life for the better. I’m now eating and feeling much healthier, thank you!”