Can You Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
For many, the first lockdown of 2020 brought huge challenges. For others it offered time to reflect and take stock of their lives. One such person was Gemma who decided she wasn’t going to sit back and accept a life of limitations. Here’s her story.
By Marianna
A scary diagnosis
Gemma was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes late last year. Unfortunately it’s an all too common condition that causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high. The result of this is an array of unpleasant symptoms, managing life with injections and medications and can lead to serious problems with your eyes, heart and nerves.
Gemma was given multiple medications and was told she should consider a change in diet and exercise but at that point didn’t feel supported or had enough information to make any significant life changes.
Lockdown and a new beginning
When lockdown hit Gemma was furloughed. Like many of us, she found herself pulled out of the busyness of life and into a slower pace. This slower pace resulted in a time of self-reflection. She realised that her health and wellbeing were worth fighting for and that she had the power to make some changes. Her blood glucose levels were dangerously high (reading at 21) and the medication she was on was giving her nasty side effects.
Realising she needed support she looked online for a personal trainer and after an initial call (and perhaps some tears) I was really excited to be working with her. The impact of the changes she made would be almost immediate.
A great partnership and quick wins
I was so chuffed to have connected with Gemma at just the right time. She was so fired up and determined. I was often telling her to slow down and do less! We agreed a programme of daily walks, low impact resistance workouts and a change to her diet. Gemma cut out all fizzy drinks (having previously been consuming up to 5 per day) and we started a food diary focusing on lower carb foods and reducing sugars.
We didn’t do anything too extreme or restrictive and yet the results were incredible.
Within two weeks of working together, Gemma’s blood glucose levels dropped from 21 (dangerously high) to 10 (borderline). In another week they were reading at 7.3 (7 being within the normal range).
We were both overwhelmed by the results and a little emotional! Yes her waist was shrinking and she was sleeping better, but it was so much more than that. This was literally life changing.
As well as the huge improvement in her health markers, Gemma found that her skin improved and the pain in her knees and back were also getting better. She had a better mood and more energy overall.
More Incredible Results
Despite difficult times Gemma remained consistent, getting out for long walks and enjoying them too. With a return to work on the cards we set about agreeing a plan for how she would continue to make progress.
We both cried when she sent me through the news of a blood glucose reading of just 5.5. Her diabetes was in remission and she couldn’t wait for her next review with the doctor to show off all she had achieved.
When her medical review came in August we hoped it would confirm what we thought was happening. Again I think we both cried!
Continued progress and a promising future
In the midst of such difficult and unfathomable circumstances, through hard work and consistency, Gemma has lost a life changing 27kg (over 4 stone) as well as reducing both her waist and hip measurements by approximately 25cm.
It has been harder to make progress since being back at work but she has stuck at it and we still enjoy working together. Diabetes is in remission and we intend to keep it that way!
“In 6 months, Gemma has lost, to date, 27kg – over 4 stone – and has radically improved her health markers.”
There’s always hope
I hope in sharing her story that Gemma can inspire you or anyone diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. There is hope if you’re struggling. You can make significant and positive life changes from just introducing regular walks and making small changes to your diet. Fitness doesn’t have to be complicated. Find a coach who makes it simple(r).
“I’m overwhelmed by the results so far. They are honestly life changing and I’m well on my journey to dramatically changing my health. If you’re considering hiring a PT I strongly recommend that you get in touch with Marianna to help support you on your fitness journey.”
Huge thanks to Gemma for giving me permission to share this with you on World Diabetes Day.
Have you struggled with your weight in lockdown? Do you need some support to make sustainable lifestyle changes? If so, I’d love to chat. Book a free 15 minute chat today.