Why it matters: The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme has transformed Susan's health without surgery or expensive medications, offering hope to others facing the same diagnosis.
The details: Susan thought she was facing a lifelong battle when she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. However, after joining the programme in October 2024 on her diabetic nurse's recommendation, she has not only reversed her diabetes but dramatically improved her overall health and confidence.
"I've lost over three stone and my blood sugars are back in the normal range. I'm in remission now and I feel so much better in myself. Even my IBS symptoms have disappeared. I've got my life back," she said.
Susan also struggled with arthritis and low mobility, which made traditional weight loss programmes challenging.
"I wanted to lose weight to help with my mobility, but because I can't move much, it's always been hard. Doing the course from home made all the difference because travelling is hard for me. The health coach was lovely and I got all the support I needed," she said.
How it works: The programme is free to join via a GP referral and provides all meal replacements for participants during the first three months. Participants are fully supported to reverse their diabetes, lose a significant amount of weight and reclaim their quality of life.
The programme is open to people aged 18 to 65 who have been diagnosed within the last six years and are in the eligible BMI and blood glucose ranges.
What they're saying: Dr Jon Ferdinand, GP and Clinical Lead for Long Term Conditions at NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, said good research evidence shows that losing around two stone within the first six years of diagnosis is enough for individuals to reverse their diabetes and for this weight loss to be sustained.
"I would strongly urge everyone who is eligible for the programme to ask their GP practice for a referral. If you are not sure about your eligibility, either check online or ask your practice nurse," he said.
"It's wonderful to hear of those who have achieved the weight loss, come off their medications and got rid of their diabetes. As well as reducing their future risk of heart attacks and strokes, they have experienced an improvement in their general health and wellbeing. Don't miss this opportunity, take action today to access this support."
Nerinda Evans, Director of Strategic Commissioning at Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, said the programme is a game-changer for people living with type 2 diabetes.
"If they ask for a referral from their GP practice now, they can start the programme in the new year when lots of us will be thinking about taking steps to improve our health. There are limited places left on the programme for people in this area, so it's important to act now," she said.
What's next: Just 300 places are currently left on the programme up to the end of March 2026. The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Remission Programme is delivered in Suffolk and north east Essex by Counterweight.
The bottom line: Susan's story demonstrates that reversing type 2 diabetes is possible with the right support, and eligible residents are being urged to act quickly to secure one of the remaining places on this free NHS programme.
