Name: Grant Allen Age: 42 Height: 1.76m Start size: XXL Current size: S Total weight lost: 43Kg
“As my weight dropped, so did the medication I needed to take for my diabetes.”
“I’d been gaining weight since I was about 10 or 11 but I had never really thought about dieting. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 10 years ago which I was told was probably due to weight gain, and on top of this I had high blood pressure and hypertension.
“It was quite depressing going to the diabetic clinic because I’d be one of the youngest ones there. I felt I was too young to be diagnosed with diabetes. I was having to take seven tablets a day as well as daily injections. It became unbearable and I knew I needed to do something about it.
“My wife and I became aware of Cambridge Weight Plan when we heard some parents at our daughter’s nursery say they lost weight on it. I had also seen our local Consultant’s, Lou and Mark Hannigan, weight-loss success story and we really related to them. I liked the idea of having my very own Consultant who I’d be accountable to and give me direction.
“I had to start on Step 2 due to my diabetes but the weight quickly dropped off me. When I saw my GP after I had lost two stone he was very happy with my progress and encouraged me to keep going.
“As my weight dropped, so did the medication I needed to take for my diabetes. In March 2017 I attended my diabetic clinic and was told I had reversed my diabetes. I was so excited to finally be signed off.
“My life is now completely different. The worst thing about having diabetes is the constant mood swings and lethargy, and it meant looking after our children was very hard. Now, I run regularly and I’m even signed up to run two half marathons next year. I’m looking forward to a healthier future with my family.
“I’ll never go back to the way I was. For one thing, I don’t want to have to buy another new wardrobe again!”
A landmark trial funded by Diabetes UK has shown that it is possible to put Type 2 diabetes into remission using an intensive low calorie formula diet-based weight management programme.