One in ten people around the world are living with diabetes, a lifelong condition listed by the World Health Organization in 2019 as one of the top ten leading causes of deaths globally. In Ireland, over a quarter of a million people have been diagnosed with the disease. However, it is estimated that a further 850,000 are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a major contributor to kidney failure, heart attack, cancer, and stroke. As well as the human cost, the economic burden of diabetes on the Irish health care system is becoming a major challenge for the government and the HSE.
Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor in developing type 2 diabetes. By helping people to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle, Slimming World can dramatically reduce a member’s chances of developing type 2 diabetes and can help members to manage their condition.
Raymond from Ardrahan joined Slimming World in after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year. Since joining, he has lost over 4 stone and has now halved his medication for the disease and he is now well on his way to reducing it completely. Raymond says, “My sister saw a Slimming World sign and suggested I join. I’m absolutely delighted I did. I can’t believe that a few small changes can make such a huge difference. I can still have steak and chips and even a couple of glasses of wine and still lose weight!”
Raymond has also taken up walking and he loves it. He says, “I used to get out of breath after a couple of rounds of the walkway in Ardrahan but now I regularly do 8 rounds, which is 4 miles, and I average about 15 miles per week now. I feel so much better and other people are also noticing my weight loss, which really gives me encouragement”
Nora Daly from Tirellan had been overweight since her early 20s. She was diagnosed with weigh related Type 2 Diabetes a few years ago. She was advised to lose weight to improve her health. She says, “I've tried many diets over the years, and they worked to various to degrees, but as soon as I stopped dieting I put the weight back on with more besides. I saw a banner outside the Menlo Park Hotel for Slimming World, and I thought it was a sign. I walked through the doors in mid-January, and I’ve lost 4 stone 2.5lbs since then. My health has improved so much. The week after I joined Slimming World, I had an appointment in the diabetic clinic and my blood sugars were way too high, they had been for a while. A few weeks into my Slimming World journey they had stabilised into the normal range and in the main, have remained so ever since.
The plan is so easy to follow with nothing off limits and I can fit it into my daily life. I love that I can still have my treats within certain limits. There are so many easy-to-follow recipes for lots of great meals which the whole family can enjoy, like our favourite, crustless quiche”
Nora has also embraced Slimming World’s Body Magic activity programme. “My fitness levels have gone up and so too has my love of walking. That walking, as well as following some of the fitness videos available on the app, is really helping me to tone up” she says.
“I'm really happy I took that first step into group and this time I'm not going to slip back into old ways. The ongoing support I get each week in IMAGE therapy will see to that. I feel like I’m among family, people who understand, people who do not judge, people who are ready to share their stories, their experiences, their help, and advice”
On average, Slimming World members lose a clinically significant 5% within the first 3 months which means that they already start seeing health benefits such as less joint pain, improved mobility, less breathlessness, better sleep, reduced blood pressure and improved management and reduced medication for conditions like type 2 diabetes. Members following Slimming World’s healthy eating plan enjoy a diet of filling and satisfying everyday foods – including fruit, vegetables, eggs, poultry, lean meat, fish, beans, pulses, pasta, rice and potatoes – which can be tailored to suit individual needs, tastes and budget, including being able to fit into any advice from their diabetes care team.
To join your local Slimming World group, visit www.slimmingworld.ie
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