A Midlands man has stopped his potential type 2 diabetes in its tracks with the help of an NHS diabetes prevention programme. His story is part of Diabetes Prevention Week (26 May – 1 June).

Graham Lowe, 59, from Four Oaks, Birmingham, had pains in his right side so had to call out the paramedics. Thankfully, he was ok, but had lots of medical tests which showed that he was quite unhealthy including being right on the borderline of having Type 2 diabetes. A few weeks later, Graham joined the Healthier You Programme.

After completing the programme, Graham’s HbA1c blood sugar level reduced to 32mmol/mol from almost at the diabetic range (48mmol/mol), and his other health metrics levels, such as blood pressure and cholesterol also significantly lowered. In addition, Graham’s weight was 17 stone 9 at start of the programme, and is now 13 1/2 stone.

Graham, said: “My father has Type 2 diabetes, so I’ve seen how challenging it can make life, and I didn’t want to follow in those footsteps.

“After learning about being pre-diabetic from a blood test that my GP did for me, I took immediate action to prevent my condition from becoming full-blown diabetes. I started by joining the NHS Healthier You Programme that my GP had referred me to, attending the sessions and following the advice that made important changes to my diet and level of activity. Since joining, I’ve given up sweets and exercise regularly. Before I used to bring donuts to work, but now I drink green tea.”

“I recommend that people – especially men, since we may not go to the GP for a check up as often – visit your GP and get tested for diabetes if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms like I did – like fatigue and increased thirst. Treat your body like your car and get an MOT regularly. You wouldn’t skip on maintaining your car, so why do that with your health?”

Just under half (45%) of those taking part in the Healthier You Programme are men – a much higher proportion than typically attend weight loss programmes.

Vinod Patel, Co-Clinical Director for Diabetes, Midlands Long Term Conditions and Prevention Clinical Network said: “If you think you may be at risk of diabetes and experience 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 about it.

“Preventing type 2 diabetes starts with healthy eating, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight. The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP) offers personalized support to manage these behaviours, and it has been proven to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes”

Douglas Twenefour, Head of Clinical at Diabetes UK, said: “Millions of people in the UK are living with prediabetes, which means they are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Ensuring those at risk get the care and treatment they need is absolutely critical, as it will lower their chances of developing type 2 diabetes and its devasting complications.

“The NHS Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme has a vitally important part to play in stemming the rise in type 2 diabetes and it’s encouraging to see more people accessing this life-changing support. Diabetes UK’s free, online Know Your Risk tool is a great first step to understanding your personal risk of type 2 diabetes and how to lower it.”

Health leaders believe that combined advice on healthy eating, weight management and exercise can prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes, so potentially avoiding the need for medication or other treatments.

The Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme service is a bespoke educational programme that supports people at risk of type 2 diabetes to make small lifestyle changes. Participants learn how to prevent diabetes by eating healthier, engaging in physical activity, solving problems, and managing their stress and coping skills. It is available as a face-to-face group programme or via a digital app.

You can assess your potential risk of diabetes now by visiting Diabetes UK’s Know Your Risk tool.

Some groups are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes including: men, people of South Asian or Black ethnicity, people who are overweight and people with a family history of type 2 diabetes. Black and South Asian people have a higher risk of getting Type 2 diabetes after the age of 25, compared with those from a White background where risk increases after the age of 40.

The health complications of getting Type 2 diabetes can be serious and life changing. These may include loss of sight, loss of limbs, increased risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

For more information about the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme or if you think you are eligible for the programme, please contact your GP Practice for details.