How I Took Control of My Type 2 Diabetes

Research shows that people who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. But with a change in diet and a lifestyle overhaul, the possibility of developing type 2 diabetes is lowered; for some with the condition, remission may even be possible.

woman preparing salad ingredients

After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in November 2014, 48-year-old Sandy remembers feeling guilty, ashamed and humiliated. She also recalls feeling alone and very much left to her own devices to manage the condition.

A few months later at a doctor’s appointment, Sandy learnt that her blood sugar levels were progressively increasing. Her doctor warned her that she must lose weight or she would have to start taking medication. Sandy knew she wanted to take control of her type 2 diabetes and enjoy a healthier future free from diabetes medication.

Take a look at how she was able to lose weight and take control with the OPTIFAST programme.

Starting the OPTIFAST Plan

After learning about the OPTIFAST programme, Sandy decided to embark on the OPTIFAST total diet replacement plan. Usually, the total diet replacement programme is a Six Week Plan, but Sandy chose to follow it for 12 weeks under the supervision of her GP and a dietitian.

The OPTIFAST total diet replacement programme involves consuming up to 4 OPTIFAST products per day, including Shakes, Soups, Desserts and Bars, for a daily total of approximately 800 calories.

Sandy admits that the first few weeks of her lifestyle change were challenging, but after she discovered handy tips to manage her hunger – like splitting an OPTIFAST Bar in half so she could have a morning and afternoon snack – she quickly got used to the OPTIFAST total diet replacement plan.

She also started posting updates about her weight loss journey on her Instagram page to keep herself accountable and to surround herself with support and encouragement.

When times felt challenging, she reminded herself that she was making these changes so she could have a healthier future.

Adjusting to New Habits

It was only a few weeks into the OPTIFAST total diet replacement plan that Sandy began to experience changes. She noticed that her skin was clearer and she was waking up feeling refreshed and ready for a new day. She also reported that because the OPTIFAST Shakes were easy and convenient to use, she adjusted to the programme quickly.

With support from friends and family and by acknowledging that she was following an intensive plan, she allowed herself to have days where she didn’t feel as good.

“You can cope with this and carry on with your day. Before, I was often starving. The mindset of ‘I’m starving, I need something to eat immediately’ has gone now. Once you’ve got that control, it’s a bit easier,” Sandy.

A New, Healthier Lifestyle

After following the OPTIFAST total diet replacement plan for 12 weeks, Sandy began transitioning back to eating conventional foods, aiming for 1,000 calories per day.

Sandy was able to make tasty low-calorie meals that the whole family could enjoy, including favourites such as homemade meatball soup and even a moussaka. She even managed not to gain any weight over Christmas!

meatball soup

With her weight loss, Sandy’s blood sugar levels also improved, meaning her GP no longer felt the need to put her on medication.

Sandy was now able to turn her attention to improving her fitness levels by going on hikes with friends.

Over the 12-week period, Sandy was pleased with the amount of weight she lost, but she emphasised her size and weight weren’t the most important factors – the main goal was to improve her health for the future.

“Having the confidence that other people have reversed [their type 2 diabetes] is a powerful tool,” Sandy says.

Controlling type 2 diabetes doesn’t have to feel impossible. It can be done, and Sandy is proof of this! Follow Sandy’s story from start to finish here.

Lifestyle

OPTIFAST & The NHS Low Calorie Diet Programme

OPTIFAST is a preferred product supplier of Oviva, an NHS Low-Calorie Diet Programme provider.

2020-09-04 15:34:58 • By Health & Nutrition Expert

Individual results on a total diet replacement programme may vary. Always seek medical advice before making intensive changes to your diet and lifestyle. Total diet replacements should not be used for longer than 3 weeks without medical advice.