NEIL'S STORY
“The course increased my understanding of the factors that contributed to me being at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes – I think it’s important to understand how it happened.”
Neil, 81, had a stroke a year ago and is trying to maintain a stable and healthy lifestyle. He answered a few questions for us about his experience of the programme:
How did you find attending the course?
I felt daunted at first as I had to meet new people and take in a lot of information, which is difficult following my stroke.
What did you think of the group sessions?
I found the topics interesting and enjoyed the company of the other group members. I liked sharing experiences with other people who were in a similar situation to myself (at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes).
What have you learnt?
The importance of watching what I eat, losing weight, checking the labels on food, taking exercise and changing my lifestyle.
How was your experience each week on the course?
The course increased my understanding of the different contributing factors that caused my high-risk status and I am now trying to eliminate some of the risks. I feel it is important to be aware of what led to me being at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
How are you making the new learning fit into your lifestyle?
I have made gradual changes, due to my medical condition – for example, doing gentle exercises. I am also adjusting my food pattern and introducing new, healthier foods.
What difference has it made to your life?
I have acted on what I have learned over the 8 weeks and adjusted my lifestyle. I am pleased with my blood pressure and my waist circumference has dropped from 93 cm to 89 cm. My weight was 76kg and now is down to 74.2kg and my BMI has decreased from 25.3 to 24.7. I am really pleased with this progress in such a short space of time.
Would you recommend it to others?
Certainly, although I was initially reluctant to attend when it was recommended by my doctor. I think that’s because I was in shock.
What's working for you at this moment?
A change of cereals and a reduction in portions of food and carbohydrates. I have also cut down my alcohol intake to an occasional glass of wine or shandy.