NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme

[Nothungrycat]

I've just been referred to this, and I wondered if anyone else had gone through it and whether it had helped? I've had my blood sugar levels monitored for years, as I've got hypertension and am overweight, and last February they had gone up to a level categorised as pre-diabetic. Why it's taken 10 months for my local surgery to refer me to this programme, I don't know, but I've just signed up and will be starting in the New Year, with a one-to-one session next week. I feel rather nervous about what to expect!

My mum did this. All they really do is teach you about foods and sugar levels.

This link to an Essex GP surgery resources for pre and type 2 diabetes might be of use.
https://lowcarbfreshwell.com
It’s been a long while since I did group education sessions, but there was always quite a massive waiting list, so that may be why it’s been a while until you heard something.

DH is under one at our GP practice, basically he just gets a visit to discuss blood results once a year face to face. He reversed pre diabetes a few years ago now, but they continue to screen him. Same with my Asthma nurse in the Asthma clinic, she sees me once a year. I think they get extra funds for having these clinic set ups. It seems to be the actual Nurse that decides who gets put in these lists.

This course seems to involve 14 in-person group sessions over 9 months, so quite a big commitment from both them (and me!) I also reversed pre-diabetes about 8 years ago, through a really tough diet, but a lot of the weight has sadly crept back on. I'm hoping that the course gives me some better habits and motivation.

Hi @Nothungrycat , I've just asked this question over in the Diabetes chat and then spotted your thread. If you've started the programme now, how are you finding it?

Still on it, 6 months in! Doing it in person has been quite a commitment, but I've stuck at it (with a couple of catch-up sessions online). A lot of the content around food choices and nutrition was stuff I already knew (but wasn't always practicing), but there has been some really useful learning about stress and sleep and actually about the science around diabetes, and it's made me think a lot more about why I want to stay healthy. I have lost weight overall, and having to report on that (privately) at the start of each session has really kept me on point. The course I'm doing is run by a private company on behalf of the NHS, and some elements - like the Healthier You Activity Book - are quite simplistic and some of the sessions can be irritating as the group leader is trying to manage people with different personalities and needs. So, not perfect, but worth doing, I think!

Congratulations on making changes - it’s really hard to make changes but it’s so good for your health long term

do you feel any benefits yet? Obviously you can measure weight changes but do you feel better yet ?

@backformoreofthesame I travelled the ‘lose weight and go low carb’ route when I was diagnosed asymptomatic type 2 diabetes - if you don’t have symptoms in the first place, you don’t actually feel any different other than being somewhat lighter & liking how you look in photos! Perhaps I’m unusual though…

I was diagnosed with pre diabetes a few years back and offered the course. I started it but then COVID hit and it moved to a phone group. Not even Zoom but over the phone. It was a very frustrating method of holding it so I gave up.

I did shed some weight though and reversed it.

I'm a (mental health) nurse and already had a good understanding so I was already aware of a lot of the content but I think it's good for those with little knowledge of health in general and diabetes in particular.