Diabetes Week took place from 9–16 June, and this year’s aims were to raise awareness about the health checks people need when they have diabetes and why they’re so important.

One staff member in the Midlands who has successfully been completing the diabetes programme, referred to commonly as ‘soups and shakes’, is our Regional Chief Pharmacist, Richard Seal.

Richard tells us how an annual health check at his GP resulted in a type 2 diabetes diagnosis and explains why he would recommend the 12-month remission programme to others who are eligible, as it has supported him to make changes to his lifestyle and improve his health.

Richard said: “I went to my GP for my annual health check. The GP took my blood pressure, and it was high, and he asked to do some blood tests. The GP said ‘you’ve gone from being pre-diabetic to being diabetic. I’d like you to consider enrolling in an NHS-commissioned type 2 diabetes remission programme.’

“There are three phases to the 12-month diabetes remission programme, and the first phase was the most challenging for me – the total dietary replacement phase. The whole programme is split into three phases. In phase 1, which lasts 12 weeks, you replace all of your usual food with four shakes or soups each day. In phases 2 and 3, you are helped to gradually reintroduce ‘real food’ one meal at a time.

“All products for the ‘soups and shakes’ weight loss scheme were provided free of charge – a great big box of sachets. You have to drink at least 2 litres of water a day and no solid food is allowed in Phase 1. Three months of shakes to replace meals and water. I did a finger prick test every week to monitor my blood sugar levels and recorded my weight and levels of activity. Black coffee, teas and zero calorie fizzy drinks are all allowed but no alcohol.

“I had a lifestyle coach to help me through the remission programme and to change my way of thinking about food in my life. I chose to do it and had a 1-2-1 conversation with my lifestyle coach on the Momentum Newcastle team each week, who provided the motivation and wellbeing support to continue my journey. I also was invited to join a special social media forum so I could meet and share my experiences with other people doing the same programme.

“Being on the programme made me think hard about the relationship I had with food and helped me to take responsibility for my own lifestyle choices. I’ve had a weight issue for much of my adult life, and so it was part of how I saw myself. You also have to ask others in your family to support your weight loss journey. Mine did, despite the fact that I am usually the family cook!

“You have to ask yourself how committed you are to making changes to your life that could potentially save your life. The soups and shakes scheme isn’t just about losing weight, it’s about reducing your risks of heart attack and stroke in the future.

“After three months on the programme, my heart rate, blood pressure readings, cholesterol and glucose levels were all back to normal. I was able to come off almost all of my meds as a result, and I’m now taking just the one for slightly raised blood pressure. I lost over 4 and a half stones and 8 inches from my waist during the programme, and I have a managed to control my weight since.

“If I am ever asked whether I would recommend this programme to others, the answer is a definite yes.”