Liz Smith was diagnosed with the disease a few years ago, but after joining a weight loss group in January 2020, her most recent blood test now shows a “normal” range.
The 54-year-old from Dawley, who also suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, said she joined her local Slimming World group to get healthier and has since dropped from a dress size of 26 to 18.
Grandmother of three said, “I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2016 and the doctor told me that I would have to take medication to deal with it.
“My blood sugar was dangerously high, my weight was seriously affecting my health, and I had to control my weight to deal with the disease.
“I wasn’t active before, I drove to the corner shop.”
Liz before her weight lossLiz before her weight lossLiz before her weight loss
She says joining a group allows members to support one another and share recipes and ideas in order to take action.
With the help of her diabetes health team, she followed Slimming World’s nutritional optimization plan, which includes certain types of foods that are free to consume, as well as healthy extras and a limited number of goodies.
“At first I was very strict with myself. I cut out as many carbohydrates as possible,” said Liz.
“Now I realize that I was too hard on myself.
“It’s not just a quick fix, the changes you make have to be for a lifetime.
“There are ways you can eat even if you have a sweet tooth.
“Joining a club made it easier. There were suddenly people like me there and during Covid we made the calls via Zoom, although you can now go back.
“I feel a lot better. There is a huge variety of foods to eat. I make sure my meals are balanced.
“You have to curb things like sweet things or look for an alternative, but you can find out syns and how to combine that with the other foods you eat.”
She says it is a “great relief” to have reversed the effects of her type 2 diabetes.
“Thanks to the changes I have made, my health has improved dramatically and I only need to take my medication as a precaution,” added Liz, who works as a naturopath.
“My blood sugar reading is now in the normal range and the doctor says my blood tests are now showing that I am in the normal range.
“When you realize how serious it is and people can lose limbs, it’s a huge deal.
“My youngest is getting married next year. It motivates me to lose even more. The other nice thing is that I have more choices in clothing stores.”
Liz after her weight loss
Her inspiring story supports research showing that people with type 2 diabetes can improve their health by changing their lifestyle and losing weight.
A study in May last year surveyed 222 Slimming World members with type 2 diabetes.
Of those who had been a member of Slimming World for six months or more and had lost at least 10 percent of their body weight, more than half (54 percent) said they believed they had reversed their condition.
About 77 percent were able to improve their blood sugar management and 60 percent of people were able to reduce or stop taking medication.
Liz visits a Slimming World group at Dawley Town Hall on Monday.
Anyone interested in more information can visit slimmingworld.co.uk or contact Kerrie at 07798 887141.
