Type two diabetes patient in remission and five stone lighter thanks to innovative dietary programme

The programme for Type Two Diabetes patients is aimed at those who are overweight and have recently received a diagnosis.

Peter (68) started the remission programme when he was aged 65 under the guidance of Consultant Endocrinologist, Dr Roy Harper at the Ulster Hospital in August 2021.

“The basis of the programme was powdered soups and shakes along with at least two and a half litres of water a day over 12 weeks,” explained Peter.

"The target was to lose 15 pent cent of my body weight. When I started I was 19 and a half stone. By December 2021, I had lost five stone and my blood pressure tablets were lowered in dosage.

“The support I received from my family, from the doctors and nurses at the Ulster Hospital including Dr Harper and Diabetes Specialist Dietitian, Lara Jackson was huge, it was massive. Lara was there for me and the other participants who had decided that this programme was what they wanted to do.”

Peter credited his extremely supportive family and grandchildren for their encouragement with sticking with the programme and making the changes to his diet and lifestyle.

“I will never go back to where I was,” he continued. “Having the right mental attitude and right intentions play a big part.

"After the completion of the 12 week programme, you start to introduce food and you get lots of information on how to plan your meals, that is a big positive.

“My advice to anyone who may be considering the programme is to talk to the doctors, talk to the nurses, believe that you can do it.

"I’m now walking the dogs for two hours a day, I couldn’t have done that at 19 and a half stone. I’m walking down the street like the King of Saintfield.”

The Ulster Hospital’s Diabetes Specialist Dietitian Lara Jackson explained: “Patients will be invited to attend our assessment clinic where the programme is discussed along with the commitment to attend the sessions and take only soups and shakes for three months. Participants are also encouraged to think how they will fit this programme into their busy lives.

“A Diabetes Specialist Dietitian leads the sessions which cover nutrition, exercise and psychology. The participants are asked to monitor their blood glucose levels, their weight and possibly their blood pressure throughout the year.

"All of the sessions are online and in groups. Having people going through the same experience is extremely helpful in a programme like this.”

Consultant Endocrinologist at the Ulster Hospital Dr Roy Harper added: “It is wonderful to be able to offer those with recently diagnosed Type Two Diabetes the opportunity to lose significant weight and by doing so, to push their Diabetes into remission.

“The Diabetes Remission Programme provides a safe, supportive and effective way to do this.”