A woman who has reversed her type 2 diabetes by following the NHS ‘soup and shake’ diet is encouraging others with the condition to take control of their health.
Dolena Orr, from Birchington, has put her diabetes into remission after following the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme.
The 12-month weight loss programme provides support for people living with type 2 diabetes and obesity and is being trialled across 21 areas in England, including Kent and Medway.
It offers a low calorie, total diet replacement treatment for a three-month period, followed by healthy lifestyle support.
Since joining the programme in October, Dolena no longer takes daily medication to control her blood sugar levels.
The 54-year-old said: “I started the programme as I wanted to get my diabetes under control and improve my overall health and wellbeing.
“I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2019 and the nurse told me I’d be on metformin (medication to treat type 2 diabetes) for the rest of my life.
“In the lead up to the diagnosis, I had a very stressful year. I ended up with Bell's palsy (a condition causing temporary weakness on one side of the face) for the second time in my life, which is a side effect of the diabetes and impacts nerves."
Dolena, who works for a banking company, is due to finish the weight loss programme in October and has already lost four stone.
She added: “My health has improved significantly. I am no longer taking metformin or my blood pressure pills, and I’m also more physically able.
“The programme has helped put my diabetes into remission. I want to encourage others to take the leap and get control of their diabetes. If my story can help others do this, that would be amazing.”
Image: Dolena has lost four stone since starting the NHS weight loss plan
Dr Becky Prince, GP Clinical Lead for Diabetes at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “We are helping thousands of people avoid type 2 diabetes by offering support at an early stage, while also making improvements for those who live with the condition.
“Making lifestyle changes early greatly reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which can lead to severe complications in later life.
“The programme will not be suitable for everyone, and there are some eligibility requirements which people must meet to be involved. To find out if you are eligible, please discuss this with your GP or diabetes team at your next appointment.”
Find out if you are eligible for the programme at NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission.
This Diabetes Week (12 to 18 June), we're joining Diabetes UK to support those living with the condition.
Find information and support for diabetes in Kent and Medway.
In Kent and Medway, more than 117,000 people are living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes; a condition which causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.
Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. In total, 92 per cent of people with diabetes in Kent and Medway have type 2.
You can help manage type 2 diabetes through healthy eating, regular exercise and achieving a healthy body weight.
There are no lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of type 1 diabetes.