Healthier You is an NHSbacked programme delivered by Xyla that helps people make lasting lifestyle changes for better health. Alongside prevention services, it also supports people living with Type 2 diabetes to reduce their blood sugar, improve wellbeing and work towards remission.
This free programme combines expert coaching, structured phases and evidencebased behaviour change techniques, empowering people to take control of their health and reduce pressure on healthcare services.
The programme offers a clear, clinically supported route to lowering blood sugar levels and improving overall health through:
Participants receive onetoone guidance, group support and the tools they need to make sustainable lifestyle changes.
When Gemma joined the programme in August 2024, she had been living with Type 2 diabetes for several years after previously experiencing gestational diabetes. Managing her condition had always been difficult.
After the breakdown of her relationship, Gemma became solely responsible for her home and two children. Learning she couldn’t get life insurance because of her diabetes was a turning point.
“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.”
She worked hard to improve her health independently, losing three stone through a restrictive routine and walking challenges. Her HbA1c dropped from 55 to 43 mmol/mol but eventually she hit a plateau. Wanting to make further progress, she approached her GP and was referred to the Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme.
Gemma’s Initial Assessment gave her the information and confidence she needed to begin. She immediately felt supported by her coach and knew she had someone by her side throughout the process.
The first two weeks of the Total Diet Replacement phase were the most challenging. Breaking the habit of lateevening eating was tough but she adapted by freezing shakes so they felt more like a meal and using sugarfree gum to help curb cravings. She became more aware of automatic snacking and worked consciously to stop it.
Despite attending two 60th birthdays and a wedding, Gemma remained focused. As her confidence grew, she rediscovered how much she enjoyed walking and spending time outside.
With the programmes support, Gemma’s commitment delivered lifechanging results:
Her friends, family and even her children have noticed how much happier and healthier she is. She now feels excited to shop for new clothes and explore her personal style after years of hiding in oversized outfits.
Gemma will continue with the support of her coach as she moves through food reintroduction, with a followup review in three months to ensure her blood sugar remains stable.
“Losing such a significant amount of weight has massively improved the way I see myself.”
Gemma encourages anyone joining the programme to stay focused and trust the process:
“Keep going and don’t give up! The initial two weeks are the hardest, but once you break through the cravings and get into a routine, the weight loss and health benefits make the whole thing completely worthwhile.”
Gemma’s journey highlights the transformative impact of personalised, structured support for people living with Type 2 diabetes:
Her success demonstrates how programmes like this help people take control of their health, reducing pressure on GP services and improving longterm quality of life.
Healthier You is a pathway to better health for individuals and stronger communities. By supporting people to reduce their risk of complications and, in many cases, reverse their diabetes, we can help more people live longer, healthier lives.
Learn more about how Xyla’s Healthier You Programmes can support communities in your care.