Richard’s Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission journey

Richard in Eastbourne was referred by his GP practice in September 2022 to the Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme provided by Xyla Health and Wellbeing. Since starting the programme, Richard has seen some amazing outcomes and would like to share his journey.

What was your lifestyle like before starting the programme?

The last 7 years have been hectic, I worked in a global role so travelled an awful lot, with no work-life balance. I left that to start my own business, which was more difficult and stressful. I was always a fit and sporty guy when I was younger, but I just ran out of time. I discovered through this programme how detrimental that was to my health. I was a big guy, I thought I was putting on muscle, but it was fat. My weight peaked at 101kg, I tried losing weight on my own, the lowest I could get myself to was 94kg.

“This has been a life-changing programme”

What led you to join the programme?

I found out that I had type 2 diabetes when I was suddenly admitted to hospital with an acute case of diverticulitis. So, I was then started on medication. My GP told me about the Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme and asked if I would like to try it. I was delighted to give it a go. I wanted to see results – that was important to motivate me. I had just turned 50, being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes really shook me, and I wanted to fix it. I thought I was a healthy guy, I had sleep apnoea for 16 years, I realised I am not.

What has been your experience on the programme so far?

My latest HbA1c showed that I was in a healthy range, if this is maintained in my blood test next month, I will officially be in remission. This has been a life-changing programme, I will never go back. I had no issues, I thought I would struggle with Total Diet Replacement, but I didn’t find it hard at all. I stayed on the programme due to the help and the guidance of the Xyla Health and Wellbeing Coach. I can’t stress enough the incredible support of the coaches I have met; they went beyond their role.

How has the programme improved your health and your life?

My mental health has improved in parallel with my physical changes. I have learnt through the discussions I had how weight, ill health and physical stress can impact sleep. I now no longer have sleep apnoea.

Friends have been amazed to witness the transformation in my body shape and fitness levels over the course of the programme. I’ve received so many lovely comments
and questions about how I did it. I’ve had to replace all my clothes as old t-shirts and trousers now fall off me, which is great.

I enjoyed riding my bike as a kid; I was able to get back on the bike, and now I’ve been on it almost every day since. I cycle 100 miles a week, improving my life hundredfold. It gets me away from the stress that I still carry around, it is my happy place.

“I have achieved more than I could have imagined”

Would you recommend the programme to others?

I couldn’t recommend the programme strongly enough. I have achieved more than I could have imagined. I went from 101kg to 85kg. The biggest thing for me is the support you get from Xyla. This programme has taken me from a position where my health was suffering to a place I never expected.

To find out more about the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme, click here.