NHS services in the East of England are promoting tailored programmes to stop potential type 2 diabetes in its tracks this week, as part of national Diabetes Week.

Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of preventable sight loss in people of working age and is a major contributor to kidney failure, limb amputation, heart attack, nerve damage, stroke and many of the commonest types of cancer.

Alongside the human cost, the NHS in England typically spends around £10.7 billion a year on identifying and treating diabetes.

The NHS offers services that combine advice on healthy eating, weight management and exercise which can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, potentially avoiding the need for medication or other treatments.

Today we hear from two people in the East of England who have used these services and stopped their potential type 2 diabetes in its tracks – thanks to support from tailored NHS programmes.

Patrick Lawrence, 57, from Luton, was referred to the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme in October last year after being told he was borderline diabetic.

Patrick said: “I’ve always been sporty. I play squash three times a week in competitive leagues, badminton once a week with friends and attend weekly circuit classes and the gym with my daughter. But the choices I was making in the kitchen were impacting my weight.” 

The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme is based on research showing that a three-month specially formulated diet comprising of total diet replacement products including soups and shakes, followed by healthy lifestyle support, can help people living with type 2 diabetes lose weight, improve blood sugar levels, reduce diabetes-related medication and in many cases, put type 2 diabetes into remission.

Patrick added: “I’m a very competitive person, so it worked for me to view those three months as a challenge, rather than a diet plan. It wasn’t always easy due to social events, trips overseas and nights out – but I could see the programme was working well and the weight was falling off me, which helped me stay focussed.”

Since starting the programme in October, Patrick has lost 28kg and around eight inches from his waist. He is now far off from being borderline diabetic and close to putting his potential diabetes into remission.

Patrick continued: “My friends at the gym and my family are all amazed at the transformation. Recently I had a 100th birthday party to attend, but all my old suits were way too big. My wife suggested that I try my 22-year-old son’s suit, which we all couldn’t believe fitted me perfectly.”

Patrick even puts the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme down to improvements he’s seeing on the squash and badminton court.

He said: “I’ve always been quick around the court, but now that I’m carrying less weight, my mobility, speed and stamina is so much better and I’m not suffering with any sporting injuries due to the weight loss.

“The NHS’s programme has absolutely worked for me – I can only sing its praises. I’ve had an amazing service and support from staff since day one. I honestly couldn’t recommend it highly enough.”

Simon from Lowestoft, Norfolk, took part in the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme following the results of a blood test last year. This is a bespoke educational programme supporting people at risk of type 2 diabetes to make small lifestyle changes. It lasts nine months and is designed to stop or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes by giving people personalised support – either face-to-face or digitally – on healthier eating, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping physically active and managing stress.

Simon said: “I’d always considered myself fit and healthy. I went to the gym twice a week, chose cereal bars for snacks and wasn’t overweight, so I was a bit surprised to need the referral.

“The programme I enrolled in had lots of people with different needs and requirements and was tailored to each of them – some needed to put on weight, some needed to lose a bit of weight, and we all needed re-education about food choices.

“When they asked about people eating cereal, I mentioned the brand I ate which had wheat and nuts and other ‘healthy’ ingredients. The trainer said, ‘But just look at it!’ and showed us the amount of sugar involved – so I’ve now switched to preparing and eating overnight oats instead.”

A spokesperson for NHS England – East of England, said: “If you are experiencing symptoms such as feeling very tired, peeing more than usual, feeling thirsty all the time, or losing weight without trying to – please speak with your GP, as it could be a sign of diabetes.

“The NHS’s diabetes prevention and remission programmes offer personalised support on diet, exercise and healthy lifestyles – and have been proven to be effective in stopping diabetes in its tracks.”

This Diabetes Week, Diabetes UK is raising awareness of the eight important checks that can help prevent life-altering complications.

Colette Marshall, Chief Executive at Diabetes UK, said: “Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions in the UK, putting people at risk of potentially life-altering complications. But just a few regular checks can make a huge difference, by spotting early signs of diabetes-related damage while it is most treatable.”

For information about regular diabetes health checks, what they mean and why they’re so important, as well as free downloadable resources to help stay on top of your checks each year, visit diabetes.org.uk.

For more information about the NHS’s diabetes programmes, search for ‘Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme’ or ‘NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme’ – and if you think are eligible for either programme, contact your GP practice for details.