A mother-of-two has opened up about her battle with emotional eating which led to her becoming overweight and developing diabetes. The dramatic health scare proved to be the catalyst for change she desperately needed.
Now, thanks to joining Slimming World alongside a friend after a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, she’s celebrating a staggering six stone weight loss. And along with it she has put her diabetes into remission making her healthier and happier.
The psychiatric nurse told how her lifetime struggle with food began as a teenager when she felt heavier than her peers. She said: “I’ve struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember and as a teenager, I felt I weighed more than my friends. I often ate emotionally, whether I was happy or sad I would turn to food.”
Throughout her adulthood, she tried countless diets that offered only temporary solutions. “I’ve tried many fad diets throughout my adult life – you name it, I’ve probably tried it! I found that I could lose weight, but I quickly put all of it back on again when the diet ended. When I was at my highest weight, I was prescribed tablets by my GP to help with my high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.”
Her professional background compounded her feelings over being so overweight. She said: “Working in health, I was embarrassed I’d let it get this far. I knew what the outcomes of these conditions could look like, and it made me nervous thinking about what the future would be if I didn’t do something. I always thought it would never happen to me, but as soon as my GP diagnosed me with type 2 diabetes, I knew I had to improve my health but I wasn’t sure where to start.”, reports Surrey Live.
Donna, from Inverness, and her pal Janet both had their sights set on shedding some pounds, so they teamed up and signed up with their neighbourhood Slimming World group at the start of January 2023. Despite feeling a bit apprehensive on her first visit, Donna was greeted with open arms by the consultant and fellow members.
The 57-year-old said: “I was worried that getting weighed each week would be stressful and embarrassing, but I soon realised it was anything but. My weight was confidential – just between me and the person weighing me and I found getting weighed each week kept me motivated and accountable, too. Everyone in group is friendly and so supportive. We really are all in it together.”
Since joining, Donna has been smashing her weight loss goals, dropping an impressive 6st 2 1⁄2lbs by sticking to Slimming World’s food optimising plan, while still indulging in her favourite curries and chillies. She explained the change in her diet sayig: “Before joining Slimming World, I would often skip breakfast and this would lead to me having big portions of every other meal I ate.”
Now, she’s a breakfast convert, often choosing Weetabix with banana to start her day. Plus, she’s ditched ready meals in favour of cooking up Slimming World recipes and keeps a stash of Slimming World Free Food range items from Iceland for those hectic days.
She said: “My husband enjoys the same meals as me, which is really helpful as we don’t have to spend time preparing different foods and I stay on track.”
In just over a year, Donna hit her target weight and in February 2024, Donna’s impressive weight loss led to her type 2 diabetes going into remission. Additionally, she was able to cut down on her high blood pressure medication.
Donna’s success story supports findings from a study in the Archives of Diabetes and Obesity, which indicated that among Slimming World members with type 2 diabetes who lost weight, one-third experienced remission. This figure rose to over half for individuals who shed at least 10% of their body weight.
Furthermore, more than 61% managed to reduce or completely stop their diabetes medication, while 81% reported better control of their blood glucose levels (also known as blook sugar levels). Beyond health benefits, Donna has seen a boost in confidence and motivation, engaging more in physical activities through Slimming World’s programme that promotes enjoyable exercise.
She’s taken up golf and enjoys regular walks with friends. Reflecting on her transformation, Donna said: “My Slimming World journey began with my friend, and I’m delighted that we’ve both reached our target weights.”
She added, “Not only has my health improved, I can now run around after my grandchildren. I’ve made new friends at my Slimming World group and changed my life for the better.”
Robert Ince, who leads the Inverness Slimming World group that Donna is a part of, said: “Donna is such an inspirational member and it’s been amazing to watch her journey unfold. Our group is filled with support and encouragement. Donna now regularly shares ideas and gets involved in conversations, and always cheers everyone on.”
What is type 2 diabetes?
Donna was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes – but what is that and what should you look out for. This is what the NHS says:
- Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high.
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It’s caused by problems with a chemical in the body (hormone) called insulin. It’s often linked to being overweight or inactive, or having a family history of type 2 diabetes
- It increases your risk of getting serious problems with your eyes, feet, heart and nerves.
- It’s a long-term condition that can affect your everyday life. You may need to change your diet, take medicines and have regular check-ups.
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It can cause symptoms like excessive thirst, needing to pee a lot and tiredness. Many people have no symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
Many people have type 2 diabetes without realising. This is because they may not always notice any symptoms. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:
- feeling very tired
- itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush
- feeling thirsty all the time
- losing weight without trying to
- blurred vision
- peeing more than usual
- cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
You’re more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you:
- are over 40 years old, or over 25 if you’re from an Asian, Black African or Black Caribbean ethnic background
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are from an Asian, Black African or Black Caribbean ethnic background
- are overweight or living with obesity or are not very physically active
- have a close relative with diabetes (such as a parent, brother or sister)
When should I seek medical help?
Type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed following routine blood tests. However, you should see a GP straight away if you have any symptoms of diabetes or you’re concerned about your risk.