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Usman’s journey with the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission programme
Usman’s highlights
Decreased HbA1c levels
from 79 to 52
mmol/mol
Went from taking 3
medications for diabetes down to just one
Lost over 12kg and 5 inches from his waist
Now enjoys a healthy lifestyle and started hiking again
Now has more energy and performing better at work
Overview
Usman, a busy senior audit manager from Dagenham, struggled for years to improve his health, prioritising work over wellbeing. Introduced by his GP to the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme, he was initially sceptical but decided to try it after reading reviews. Delivered in Urdu and culturally tailored (including support during Ramadan and Eid), the programme transformed his life.
Early weeks were tough, but with holistic support focusing on diet, sleep, stress, and then physical activity, Usman lost 12kg and 5 inches from his waist, improved his energy and mental health, reduced his HbA1c from 79 to 52 mmol/mol, cut diabetes medication from three to a very low dose of one, and stopped blood pressure meds entirely.
He now exercises regularly, enjoys hiking again, and encourages family and friends to join the programme. Usman describes it as life-changing and urges others to seize the opportunity.
Usman struggled to balance his health with his busy professional life…
“It was haphazard – I had tried several times to change my health outcomes, but I had no clue how to do it effectively. I tried to exercise and diet, but my attempts were unsuccessful. Work was my priority, not my health, and I realise now that stress and lack of sleep had a
big impact on my health.”
What led you to join the programme?
My GP introduced me to the programme, but I was sceptical and had little confidence that it would work because I had tried so many things before with no results. I did some research and looked at the reviews on the NHS website and decided to give it a try… and bonus that it was free!
What has been your experience on the programme so far?
I am a family man and a senior audit manager, which is a highly stressful and sedentary job. My main hobby prior to the programme was eating with my family, or if I wasn’t eating, I was thinking about what to eat! The first week on the programme was the toughest for me. I struggled mentally and was concerned about surviving on four products a day. It wasn’t that I was hungry, but I thought that I should be eating. Subsequent weeks were much easier as my body and mind adjusted, and when people started noticing that the weight was falling off it really motivated me to continue.
The sessions were amazing, they taught me a holistic approach and I realised I had been doing everything back to front. I first had to get my diet, sleep, and stress into balance, then the physical activity became easier because I had more energy. Maintenance was challenging after the total diet replacement phase, but the sessions helped me to stick to the programme. I increased my exercise, which improved my muscle mass, changed my shape, and helped with weight management. I had my ups and downs and without the sessions I probably would not have stayed on track.
“I have more energy, improved mental health and clarity of mind. I go to the gym regularly and have completely changed my body composition, losing 12kg and 5 inches from my waist!
From haphazard and stressed to family health champion…
“I have more energy, improved mental health and clarity of mind. I go to the gym regularly and have
completely changed my body composition, losing 12kg and 5 inches from my waist! My diet has
done a 180° turn! I now prioritise my health and I’m less concerned about what other people in the
office may think when I take breaks to exercise in my day. These breaks help me to be more efficient and deliver more at work. I’ve also started hiking again, which I loved to do in my 20s and thought I’d never be able to do again. I’ve become a ‘health champion’ to my family and friends and signposted several of them to this programme.”
Did you achieve the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the
programme?
I met my goals and exceeded my expectations. My main goals were to reduce my medication and my HbA1c reading. My HbA1c level has come down from 79 to 52 mmol/mol and I went from taking 3 medications for diabetes down to a very low dose of just one. My blood pressure medication has also been stopped. This has been a life changing journey for me. The language specific element was a huge contributing factor to my success, it was culturally tailored to provide support through the key months of Ramadan and Eid. The coach was fantastic, and I cannot thank her enough. I urge anyone being offered this programme to grab the opportunity with both hands.
Learn more about the programme here“It was culturally tailored to provide support”
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