Thank you to Laura Bounford from Biddulph Slimming World for submitting this article. Laura has discussed how weight loss can improve the lives of people with diabetes. Read what she had to say below:

If you have diabetes, a family history of, or have been advised by your doctor that you may be at greater risk, it is never too late to turn things around.

Last week across the country was National Diabetes week.

An online survey of Slimming World members with diabetes found that, since joining a Slimming World group:

- More than 90% reported improvements in glucose control

- 38% had been able to reduce or stop their diabetes medication

- Members with type 1 and type 2 diabetes successfully lost weight

- 66% had increased their activity levels

- 89% found it easy to fit individual dietary advice from their health care team into Food Optimising

Slimming World helps people to manage diabetes by helping them to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle, Slimming World can dramatically reduce a member's chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes UK suggests that people with diabetes follow the same kind of healthy, balanced diet that is recommended for the rest of the population: aiming to reduce total fat intake, particularly saturated fat; limit sugary and salty foods and drinks; include plenty of fruit and vegetables and some starchy carbohydrate foods and try to increase consumption of high-fibre foods too.

As it is perfectly balanced and totally healthy, this can easily be achieved with the flexibility that Slimming World's Extra Easy Food Optimising plan offers.

With its' generosity and freedom of choice for plenty of healthy food options, Food Optimising puts members in control of the foods they eat and when they eat them.

This makes it easy for our members to fit in any personal dietary advice they have been given by their diabetes care team and makes it suitable for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and those with pre-diabetes alike.

Claire Woodward, who attends Congleton & Biddulph's Slimming World Team Developer's group on Thursdays at Astbury Village Hall has type 2 diabetes, and has now lost 5st 9lb.

After joining Slimming World to lose weight to help her conceive naturally and to be healthier for her family, Claire has seen many health benefits to her Diabetes already.

She said: "My blood sugars are a lot more stable than they used to be, it was so hard to manage before. Being able to fill up on unlimited foods, and listen to the advice my diabetic care team provides has been so helpful along-side Slimming World's food optimising plan.

"It's easily adaptable to all dietary requirements or food likes and dislikes so it fit me perfectly. I found I had lots more energy, feeling less tired too."

Claire is now a mum to a teenager and three young children. she adds: "Keeping up with the family isn't easy, they definitely keep me on my toes, had I not lost weight I don't feel I'd have been lucky enough to fall naturally pregnant with my youngest three, and I definitely wouldn't have the stamina to keep up with their endless energy levels.

"I'm so glad I joined when I did, it's made the world of difference. I don't experience as many hypers as I did when I was heavier which Is where my blood sugars are too high. These would leave me so lethargic, feeling nauseous with bad headaches so I'm very happy to wave goodbye to as many of these episodes as I can.

"I've even reduced the dose of my medication Metformin that I need to take to control my Diabetes. The heavier a person is, the more Metformin is needed to help lower high glucose levels, so I'm really happy that I have less medication to take too."

Having diabetes means you're at much greater risk of developing foot problems. This is because raised blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, can damage the sensation in your feet. It can also affect your circulation, which can lead to you getting less blood supply to your feet. Without a good blood supply, you may have problems with cuts and sores healing. You may also get cramps and pain in your legs or feet. If you don't get these problems treated, they could lead to foot ulcers, infections and, at worst, amputations. Most foot problems can be prevented with good, regular foot care.

Claire adds: "My feet have also seen the benefits of my weight loss too. Before I had loss of sensation, and they were really achy and painful. I had issues with thick, hard skin on them which really effected my confidence and because of my diabetes the healing is often slower. Now they are is much better condition and I feel so much happier with them - I can confidently wear sandals now without feeling self-conscious which has been great over these really sunny days!"

All members with diabetes are provided with a booklet 'Eating well with diabetes - a guide for Slimming World members'. This booklet includes information on the healthy eating steps to help manage blood glucose levels, blood fats and regulate weight recommended by Diabetes UK, and explains how Slimming World's Food Optimising system can help them achieve these steps.

As Slimming World Consultants, we are provided with information on how best to support members who have diabetes too.

We recommend everyone to talk to their diabetes care team about joining Slimming World and their plans to lose weight and become more active. Their care team will be able to offer specialist advice on diet, medication and how to manage their blood glucose levels throughout their personal weight-loss journey, as everyone is individual.

To discover the difference with Slimming World simply contact one of the Congleton and Biddulph Consultants for more information, or to book your place. Booking is essential due to our Covid-19 safety measures.

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