Having been a serial dieter over the last 5 decades, like many others losing, putting it back on with a bit extra each time and then repeating the cycle many times, I was warned by my GP some years ago that I was pre diabetic and that I should change my eating habits, which were atrocious.
Not realising the seriousness of Diabetes, I was so smug that I didn't even Google the subject.
I carried on with my diet of eating anything and everything.
Realisation finally hit me when I was informed that I had become a fully fledged member of the diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes fraternity.
I was suitably worried that I then Googled the subject. I was devastated when I realised the seriousness of the disease.
I tried really hard and lost weight but any setback in life's experiences saw me reach out for food, any food.
So my weight gain/loss cycle continued.
My HbA1c levels were up and down too.
I subscribed to various Diabetes research sites and it was through one of these that I found out about the MIDDAS study being conducted at Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester.
I applied to be considered as a participant on the study and was accepted.
It is a follow up of the Newcastle Diet but on a much bigger scale and uses far more resources like access to Nursing staff, Dietician, an Exercise expert, and a Psychologist, via a phone app or telephone/video calls.
I personally attended at the hospital and was fortunate to meet these inspiring people face to face.
My sessions with the Psychologist were eye opening and inspiring. I felt that I had been given the missing piece to the jigsaw to help in the battle with my appetite.
My blips were quickly addressed by the Dietician in a warm encouraging way who answered in depth to any questions that I posted on the App.
You have to attend the hospital for initial weight and blood checks and to complete various paperwork to ensure that you are suitable for the study.
You would be required to attend the hospital for checks 5 times over 12 months.
Open to all between the ages of 18-75 years old.
Having been diagnosed with Diabetes less than 8 years ago.
Not pregnant nor intending to get pregnant during the course of the study.
Accepted participants are given one of two diets, 8 weeks of Optifast meal replacement shakes ( 3 shakes a day plus 640g of vegetables daily ) followed by the Mediterranean Diet, or a low calorie diet something akin to the 5.2 Diet, with Optifast Shakes to be used on the 2days, preferably continuously.
The latter diet is over 27 weeks.
All these shakes are provided free of charge.
You are given the equipment needed to check your Blood Sugar levels daily, again free of charge, and you enter this on a daily basis on your app.
I could go on and on put I have put in a link if you want further information.
I was on the 8 weeks of shakes plus vegetables. It sounds easy 8 weeks, but once started it became quite daunting and I did lapse, but nothing like that I would have done before starting this study.
Anyway, before you all start to nod off, the point of this Thread is that I am now Diabetes free. Not even Pre-Diabetic.
Should I return to my previous eating patterns then obviously the Diabetes would eventually return.
So the Diet works. After 12 weeks I had lost over 2 stones and my body shape had obviously changed for the better, no longer was I being preceded by my stomach as I walked.
I am still being monitored over the 12 month period and I haven't been flip free, but I am getting there, thanks to the warm, compassionate staff and obvious knowledge bestowed upon me by this committed team of experts in their own fields.
After reading the linked page if you are interested then their phone numbers are :- 0161 291 2405/2888
ukctg.nihr.ac.uk/trials/trial-details/trial-details?trialNumber=ISRCTN15394285
This study hasn't been publicised hence there are still vacancies available for those wishing to participate.
Best wishes to anyone who decides to follow this route.
If I haven't posted this in the correct place then can someone please let me know.
Thank you.
a friend has just been diagnosed as T2 diabetic and was a fairly healthy weight and ate healthily, didn't drink much apart from an occasional glass of wine. She has had quite a dramatic weight loss as the medication made her feel sick and is now wondering what is the best diet to follow to control or reverse her diabetes yet also put on some weight.Petition for estranged Grandparents
