The Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, also known as the Healthier You programme.

Kathy one of our reporters shares here experience of being diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Last year I had a routine blood test (HbA1c) at my GP practise and the outcome was I was pre-diabetic. This came as shock to me as I thought I was fit and healthy. As a regular cyclist I thought the exercise I was doing would keep me fit and healthy.  How wrong I was.

I had an interview with the Diabetic Nurse, and she advised me to either go on an 800 calorie a day supplement course, or a 9-month Diabetic Prevention Course, NHS England » NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP).  I do not like these supplements, so I opted for a 9-month course.  I had to wait six months before I was offered a course in my area.

The first session was attended by about 30 other people, and we all had a weigh-in and given a handbook consisting of 377 pages and a Pedometer to log our steps each day.

The person presenting the session was a Nutritionist and she explained the two types of Diabetes. Type 1 and Type 2.  We were to concentrate on Type 2 as this was the condition, we all had. She explained all the conditions that could develop if we did go on to develop Type 2 Diabetes.  The early warning signs were explained when blood glucose is higher than it should be but not so high that Type 2 Diabetes is diagnosed.  She also explained Insulin sensitivity, how the Pancreas produces, stores and releases Insulin. What Insulin was and how it worked inside your body, what happens when you eat food, and which cells in your body uses most blood glucose.

The first session required us to start tracking or recording what you eat and drink and what physical activity you do every day.  We were advised to set a target for losing weight.

Session Two was the following week. In this session was all about eating well, ways to cut calories and adjusting portion sizes.

Session Three was two weeks later and in this session, it was all about exercise and ways to keep moving.

The rest of the course we would be meeting once a month, as we now had the tools and information to adjust our life styles.  I will continue with this diary for the rest of the course and see how successful or not, I become.

To find out in your area contact

North East and North Cumbria | Reed Wellbeing | info@reedmomenta.co.uk | 0800 092 1191 | reedwellbeing.com/healthieryou