NHS pre diabetic programme- Second Nature

[Trulyscrumpious]

This is more on the helpful pre diabetic theme, currently running. I wonder if anyone has been offered this programme? I was called up, by my surgery, for a blood test, in Dec 23, l don’t know why, possibly my age- 88. The result showed l was pre diabetic and l was immediately offered a free 9 month programme to help prevent going on to get diabetes. I am 2/3rds of the way through. It is called Second Nature, the idea being to get you into new eating habits, which will become ‘Second nature’. Unlike some calorie counting diets which may lose weight but it all piles on again, leading to a yoyo effect. The diet is a sensible, well balanced one - the usual low carb, lots of veg and no processed food. They provide you with a very good recipe book, and scales and you have to send in your weight every month. I have never been overweight but was very surprised when l lost over a stone in 4 months. (In fact l lost too much and am now on a high protein diet to regain some weight!). But l’ve had good support from my ‘coach’ and there are regular articles and encouragement. I don’t think every health authority offers this. I have a friend in Cardiff who wasn’t. It would be interesting to know if anyone on this forum has heard of it. If you are offered it l would recommend going on it.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Thanks for posting this..

[Koalajane]

hi, unfortunately I got straight to the type 2 diabetic stage about 4 months after going on pred. I had already read about eating low carbs and started this with exercise. I was put on gliclazide and by my first review my bs had gone down to 39, so stopped gliclazide. This was over 6 years ago and I still eat this way and have stayed in remission. I have not been on any courses but my diabetic nurse is very helpful. It sounds like a great course. I think Mrs Nails went on a course but not sure if it was the same one.

I haven’t had any processed meals for years and the only fruit I eat are berries and tomatoes. For vegetables I eat veg grown above ground so avoid potatoes. I still get my diabetic checks every year as I am diabetic (in remission)

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Good information - great to hear the NHS has finally caught up with low carb!!!

[Koalajane in reply to PMRpro]

I think my diabetes nurse is great as she was well aware of the benefits of low carb 7 years ago!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Koalajane]

Good to hear. I'll never forget the diet/diabetes "expert" in the Durham practice telling me I MUST eat 6 slices of bread a day! Never managed that in my life!!!

[Sophiestree in reply to PMRpro]

wow

[Wouldlovetorun]

Trulyscrumpious it sounds great 🤗

[NewtoGCA]

Good morning. Yes I’m in the south east and was offered and did the nhs course, my level was 47 at the time, however I still progressed to type 2 diabetes steroid induced unfortunately and am battling that on top of everything else, GCA, PMR, arthritis, addisons, lots of gastric issues doesn’t help so restricted diet although it’s sensible. It’s complex to manage when you have so many things going on together! I found the course interesting, mostly common sense approach but great to have that support and share with others. I hope you continue to thrive. All the best.

[Trulyscrumpious in reply to NewtoGCA]

😀

[Potter100]

I did a course online in which a leader spoke each month about diet, ways to help control, exercise etc. Listeners were invited to ask questions or talk about their experiences.

Unfortunately, the session used to take ages (zoom) to get under way, & some people liked the sound of their own voice! I am afraid most sessions washed over me as there was nothing I hadn't already been told.

At the end we were given a 'certificate' to state we had attended. However, I doubt I could explain things any clearer a few years after the course.

Sensible diet & exercise got me off being pre-diabetic.

[Trulyscrumpious in reply to Potter100]

Thanks for replying. Doesn’t sound like a very good experience. It’s good to know you got off being pre diabetic. Well done. I have mobility problems so exercise is pretty limited but l do what l can. Going up and down stairs several times a day is better than nothing.

[Trulyscrumpious in reply to Potter100]

😟

[Positive__]

Hi, I have been referred to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Program by my GP, first session next week.

I'm in Swindon, Wiltshire.

No mention of Second Nature diet program though but

I am already a member, I joined a few years ago when wanting to lose weight. Currently I am focusing on an anti inflammatory, Mediterranean diet so not eating any red meat. Also I've really restricted carbs try to help my HbA1c level and to avoid weight gain. 🙂

[Oh-my]

A blood test following being put on Pred showed I was pre-diabetic. I was put on the program. It sounded great but because it was several months before I had my first chat with my tutor/coach I had researched it and was already doing everything they suggested so I was signed off. And a further blood test showed it had worked - no longer pre-diabetic. So glad the NHS is doing this. It’s a really good thing.

[Trulyscrumpious in reply to Oh-my]

Thanks for replying. I had no trouble with my coach, if anything she wanted more contact, so that was unlucky for you. But well done for no longer being pre diabetic. Keeping my fingers crossed for the blood test at the end.

[Oh-my in reply to Trulyscrumpious]

It was no problem for me. They were obviously very busy because of the wait. I was happy I was doing the right stuff and it seemed right to make way for someone else to have my place. I've become so used to no biscuits, cake etc I can't imagine going back to my old diet - except I might have a little bit of fruit cake come Christmas time - I really did miss it last year.