Every two minutes someone finds out they have Type 2 diabetes, a potentially serious health condition that can cause long-term health problems. However, it can be prevented or delayed, through improved quality of diet, increase in physical activity and successful weight loss. Find out if you are at high risk of developing the disease so that you can do something about it with support from your free local Healthier You service. You can do this at riskscore.diabetes.org.uk – it’s free and only takes a few minutes

Paul was invited to join the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP) following a Well Man appointment with his GP. He recalls the trepidation with which attended his first DPP session at the Metrodome sports complex in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

“Looking at it now this is exactly what I required – a short, sharp shock to make me realise why I was there and what was required over the following months,” said Paul, 47, following his weight check of 123kg at the first session.

“Alexandra, my course leader, dietitian and nutritionist, talked us through our goals – what was required and how to achieve them. Information was recorded in a booklet provided.

“Over the following months an introduction into foods, portion size, what was hidden in the labelling, good and bad fats and interactive classroom exercises gave me a better understanding of what I put into myself. Being a steel worker for 40 years I now realise I had broken every rule in the book!

“As the Diabetes Prevention Programme sessions continued, the monthly weigh-in was no longer an embarrassment as I could see a weight reduction each month. I upped my daily step count three times.

“Now, due to the Covid-19 lockdown, I have my own gym area in my garage comprising weights, punchbag and exercise cycle which I religiously use daily for at least an hour. This is all due to the way the course was presented and the motivation and help that was given by Alexandra.”

Part way through the Diabetes Prevention Programme, the sessions switched to remote delivery via internet video calls. Paul adds: “It has kept my motivation high and my weight reduction on track. My weight is down to 108 kg – a loss of 15kg which I am amazed at. My blood sugar reading is down and my blood pressure has also reduced. My new weight loss goal is 105kg.

“I must admit this course has been somewhat of a life changer for me. The short, sharp shock at the beginning is what I needed, but the support and informative professional advice I received each month has kept me on track. It is now the norm.”