Our success stories

When Karen joined the Type 2 Diabetes Remission Programme, she was ready to take control of her Type 2 diabetes and make meaningful changes to protect her long term health. The programme gave her the focus and confidence she needed to start again.

“Not for the faint-hearted, but worth the effort. Plan for after you finish the programme and learn what foods help you maintain a healthy lifestyle forever.”

When Gemma joined the Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme in August 2024, she had been living with Type 2 diabetes for several years after previously experiencing gestational diabetes. As the sole carer for her two children, Gemma knew something had to change.

“As a lover of carbs, I found it difficult to manage my diabetes and over time my weight ballooned… It was at this point I made the decision that I needed to do something different and desperately needed to lose weight.”

When Brian joined the Type 2 Diabetes Remission Programme, he had recently been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and wanted to take control of his health. The Wellbeing Way app became a daily companion, helping him track his progress and stay motivated throughout his journey.

“I received clear information and support to understand how to begin the weight loss programme and then continue with food reintroduction.”

When Alan joined the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme in January 2025, he knew he was at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and wanted to take proactive steps to protect his health. With the support of his coach, Claire, Alan quickly discovered that simple, sustainable adjustments could have a powerful impact.

“Our mentor was brilliant. She gently educated and motivated us to commit and achieve our individual targets. By the end, everyone had succeeded. I can’t speak highly enough of her.” 

When Abeer joined the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, she wanted to reduce her risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and learn how small changes could improve her health. The group sessions quickly became a source of motivation, and hearing from others inspired her to rethink her habits and make meaningful adjustments.

“The information, and meeting and hearing ideas from other people, really inspired me to change my lifestyle.”

When Abdul joined the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, he wanted to understand how to reduce his risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and make sustainable changes to improve his health. Meeting people from different backgrounds and hearing their experiences helped him see what was possible and motivated him to start adapting his own lifestyle.

“The sessions were designed very well… seeing the changes others were making really motivated me to try what they had tried.”

When Alan was referred to the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme after a blood test showed he was in the prediabetic range, he wanted clear guidance and support to lower his risk and improve his health. The group environment quickly gave him the confidence to make changes.

“The healthy lifestyle advice was easy to follow, particularly with the support from the coaches. They made every session enjoyable and highly informative.”

The Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme supports people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes to make long-lasting changes to their health and wellbeing. Through practical guidance around nutrition, physical activity and behaviour change, the programme helps people build healthier habits and reduce their diabetes risk. 

Andy joined the Diabetes Prevention Programme after being told he was prediabetic. At the time, life was far from straightforward but with the support of Healthier You, he found the tools, confidence and motivation to turn his health around. 

When Steven joined the T2DR Programme in April 2024, he was navigating a particularly challenging period of life. After spinal surgery in 2022, his mobility reduced significantly and his weight increased. Reflecting on that time, he says:

“I didn’t think my diet was terrible, but it included weekend takeaways and far too much processed food. Looking back, the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes were creeping up on me; constant tiredness, excessive thirst and frequent trips to the bathroom day and night.”

Trust is the foundation of effective diabetes prevention. Drawing on two years of delivering the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, health coach Versha Patel explains how authentic connection, consistent support and culturally tailored approaches help people feel confident, engaged and ready to make lasting lifestyle changes.

Reaching underserved groups requires more than traditional referral routes. Health coach, Anna, explains how community partnerships help the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme connect with people who are often missed by the system.

Supporting people to prevent or manage Type 2 diabetes means recognising the realities of their daily lives. Drawing on four years of delivering Healthier You across face-to-face, online and culturally tailored groups, health coach Anna Lycett shares how meeting people “where they are” in their language, in their community and at their level of confidence leads to stronger engagement and better outcomes.

Food literacy is one of the most cost effective tools available in diabetes prevention. In this article, health coach Anna Lycett explains how clear, culturally sensitive education helps people navigate misleading marketing, understand carbohydrates and make sustainable choices that align with their routines and budgets.