As a pensioner with type 2 diabetes for nearly a decade, Nazir Hussain had grown accustomed to feeling tired and relying on medication for the rest of his life. However, after starting a low-carb diet in May 2022, he experienced a remarkable transformation. Within a year, he lost 3st 10lb, slimmed his waist, and achieved a drop in his HbA1c level, effectively putting his diabetes into remission. Not only did he lose weight, but he was also able to discontinue his diabetes and blood pressure medication. Nazir’s success mirrors the findings of a recent study by Harvard University, which revealed that individuals who followed a low-carb diet had a 24% lower risk of premature death.
Nazir was among the first patients to benefit from The Lifestyle Club (TLC), an innovative online program that supports individuals with diabetes in the comfort of their own homes. This grassroots initiative, along with several other low-carb schemes, is being implemented by GPs across the country to tackle the alarming rise of type 2 diabetes, which currently affects about 4.8 million people in the UK. Nazir’s GP, Dr. Karen Johnson, hails the success of TLC, stating that it has helped many patients lose weight and regulate their blood sugar levels effectively.
Another success story is Viv Hamilton, who lost more than 6st over three years by following a low-carb diet. Viv originally started this approach to lose weight while awaiting knee replacement surgery but ended up experiencing multiple health benefits. Besides significant weight loss, she noticed a substantial drop in her blood pressure and an improvement in conditions such as migraines and irritable bowel syndrome. Viv no longer requires knee replacement surgery due to the disappearance of her knee pain.
TLC, developed by the Public Health Collaboration, offers patients a low-carb approach focused on reducing blood sugar levels and preventing serious illnesses associated with chronically elevated blood sugar. This approach encourages the consumption of meat, eggs, fish, leafy green vegetables, nuts, some fruits, and full-fat dairy products while avoiding sugary treats and high-carb foods like cereal, bread, pasta, and rice. GPs can refer patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes to TLC, which provides diet advice, recipe suggestions, and peer support groups through online sessions.
The success of TLC has led to its adoption by numerous GP surgeries across England, with over 700 patients having attended the courses so far. A research study by the University of Surrey is set to evaluate TLC’s remission rates and other measures in relation to blood fat levels, medication changes, and course completion. This initiative is crucial in addressing Britain’s type 2 crisis, fueled by rising obesity rates.
While bariatric surgery and exercise have shown effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes, low-calorie diets and low-carb approaches offer alternative options. The NHS offers an 800-calorie-a-day regimen based on soups and shakes, which has shown promising results in inducing weight loss and blood sugar control. Similarly, low-carb diets have gained popularity among patients and have proven effective in improving diabetes management.
It’s important to note that while low-carb diets have garnered attention and success stories, individuals should consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate approach for their specific circumstances. As the fight against type 2 diabetes continues, initiatives like TLC and the NHS program provide hope for millions of individuals looking to regain control of their health and achieve long-term remission.
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