Type 2 Diabetes is a condition that causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high. It can cause symptoms like excessive thirst, needing to pee a lot and tiredness. Type 2 Diabetes also increases the risk of developing serious health problems. If diagnosed, you’ll need to change your diet, take medicines and have regular check-ups.
More than 4.9 million people in the UK have diabetes and around 13.6 million people are at increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
Derek Schofield was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2019 and joined the NHS Low Calorie Diet Programme in 2021 with encouragement from his practice nurse. Derek didn’t like the idea of being on medication for the rest of his life. With support from the programme, Derek has improved his physical and mental health, maintained weight loss and reduced the amount of medication he takes.
If you’ve got Type 2 Diabetes and you think you may be interested in the NHS Low Calorie Diet Programme, please contact your GP practice to discuss your eligibility. The average weight loss of people taking part in the programme in the region after three months is 13.4kg (over two stone) and findings show that people manage to keep it up.
Dr Naresh Kanumilli, GP in South Manchester and Clinical Lead for the Greater Manchester Low Calorie Diet Programme
“I am so proud of Derek and the work he has done to improve his health. I’d encourage anyone living with Type 2 Diabetes to consider the support of the NHS Low Calorie Diet Programme. The results in Greater Manchester are really encouraging and the programme is helping people like Derek to make changes and keep them going”.
Derek Schofield, who lives in Stockport, has taken part in the programme
“My lifestyle before the programme was busy with work and a hectic social life. When I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2019, I was shocked. I hadn’t recognised the symptoms and the thought of being on medication for the rest of my life didn’t appeal to me.
“With the encouragement of my practice nurse, I joined the NHS Low Calorie Diet Programme and I felt changes quickly. My weight dropped, I was more agile and had more energy. One of the best things about the programme is that you aren’t alone but with a group of people taking on the same challenge.
Since completing the programme at the beginning of 2021, I have been able to maintain my weight loss. I am in a much better place physically and mentally and achieved my goal to reduce my medication. I’d encourage anyone living with Type 2 Diabetes to give this a go, it’s changed my life.”
The NHS Low Calorie Diet programme in Greater Manchester is provided by Xyla Health & Wellbeing. To be eligible for the programme you must be registered with a GP in Greater Manchester, age 18 -65 years and been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes within the last 6 months. More information about the service can be found at:
