The Path to Remission Programme has changed my life

My diagnosis essentially came about by luck. My doctor had told me I had high blood pressure, but it wasn’t until I took a trip to the opticians and they picked up a spot in my eye, that I got tested for the condition. I told my boss about the spot in my eye, and it was him who encouraged me to get tested – he lives with the condition so knows only too well how serious it is.  

I was then very quickly given a type 2 diabetes diagnosis by my doctor. It was such a wake-up call.  

Following the diagnosis, I felt like I was left to my own devices to make lifestyle changes. This can be difficult if you don’t understand the condition or what you need to do to manage it. A lack of support can also mean you end up ignoring the situation or going into a state of denial. There’s so much stigma attached to type 2 diabetes, so I know people often feel too embarrassed to get the help they need.  

Then one morning, I was listening to BBC Radio Somerset and there was a feature on the breakfast show about the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme. If it wasn’t for this story, I’d never have been able to turn things around for myself. 

After being accepted onto the programme, I set myself three objectives: to lose weight, to lower my blood pressure and to put my type 2 diabetes into remission.

I’m not going to lie, it’s been really hard as you take on a 12-month programme which involves having only specially-formulated soups and shakes for three months, then with the support of a healthcare team you phase healthy normal food back into your diet. Setting myself goals has kept me motivated and knowing I’m doing it for the good of my health has also kept me on track.   

Thanks to the programme I’ve lost two and a half stone, lowered my blood pressure and I’ve now been told I’m on my way to remission. I can’t believe I’m on track to put my type 2 diabetes into remission and feel so proud of myself. My self-esteem and mental wellbeing have also improved, and I’ve got so much more energy.   

For anyone out there who is struggling with a type 2 diagnosis, I’d encourage them to find out more about type 2 diabetes remission and the benefits this can have for your health. For me, finding out about type 2 diabetes remission has been truly lifechanging. 

“We’re so pleased that the NHS England Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission programme exists and Tim’s story shows that losing weight can bring about many benefits. I’d encourage people living with the condition to speak to their GP about the programme.

We recognise that people have been asking for more help and support to understand type 2 diabetes remission and how to achieve it. In response we’ve launched type 2 remission area on our website, where people can find a range of advice and guidance. We also have our local support groups that are a great place to meet other people who can share their experience of managing type 2.” 

- Phaedra Perry, Head of Diabetes UK – south west and south central

In the south west and south central regions of England, the Path to Remission is available through the following local NHS care systems:  

• Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire 
• Frimley 
• Gloucestershire 
• Somerset 
• Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire 
• Bucks, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West 

There are plans by NHS England to make the programme available in more places.

Visit NHS England to find out about the programme and the eligibility criteria.