When Isabel from Mount Vernon was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) at the age of 75, she was determined that she didn’t want to take medication every day to control her glucose. Now, one year on, she has reversed her symptoms and controls her condition through diet and being active.
Isabel was diagnosed with T2D in 2023 and had just come off the back of treatment for breast cancer. She had various challenges alongside her breast cancer journey, including a 12 week period of painful sciatica which landed her in hospital, and operations for her arthritis.
After visiting her GP for a bout of vertigo one Friday, Isabel had her glucose levels tested. On the Monday, Isabel’s doctor told her she had T2D. Isabel explained:
“I was quite shocked as, while I was carrying some extra weight, my size never really felt like an issue. My HBA1C score, which is the point scale that they measure your glucose on, was 64, putting me into the T2D bracket.
“After everything that I had just gone through, I knew that I didn’t want to take medication for this. I asked my GP what my options could be, and they referred me to the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Control It Plus program,” she said.
NHSGGC Control IT Plus is accessed via the NHSGGC Type 2 Diabetes Hub. It is a lifestyle program for people who have been diagnosed with, or are at risk of developing, Type 2 Diabetes. It is delivered online by a range of NHSGGC health professionals, across two interactive sessions to help people self-manage their condition.
In addition to learning about T2D and how it impacts the body, participants can access several services and initiatives to support their self-management including cooking workshops, Live Active and Weight Management services.
Isabel snapped into action and joined Weight Watchers through the weight management services. She also swapped her usual outings on public transport to making her way to places on foot.
“I went through the full Control It Plus program and the Weight Watchers membership was fantastic as it helped me to not only lose weight, but also swap the foods that would impact my glucose. I learned to balance things out.
“I also found that I didn’t need to be hitting the gym for excessive exercise. I just got moving. Instead of taking the bus to the Forge to meet my sisters, I would walk there. Walking totally changed my body shape,” she said.
Isabel lost over two stone and went from a size 16 clothing to a 10-12. Her HBA1C is now at 46. She explained that it is the best she has felt.
“I am so active with my family and have so much to look forward to. This year is my 46th wedding anniversary and we’re planning a cruise for us all to enjoy together for my husband’s 70th birthday.
“I know myself how challenging a holiday can be with my condition as there are so many treats to enjoy. When I holidayed last year, I put some weight back on. When I returned, I used what I had learned to get straight back to where I needed to be.”
Isabel also reflected on how far she has come. She explained:
“NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has been amazing for me over the past few years. From my cancer treatment to my Type 2 Diabetes, I’ve really leaned on them and received the care that I needed.
“My advice to anyone that has received a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis is, keep battling, keep fighting, and do what you do best as you might surprise yourself. I know that I did.”
NHSGGC Director of Public Health, Dr Emilia Crighton said:
“Control It Plus can be used by those who are on medication or those who are choosing a path like Isabel. Our aim is to provide people with the information and tools that they need to self-manage their condition where possible, as we understand that everyone’s circumstances vary.
“We also have our Type 2 Diabetes Hub which is free and can be accessed online in sections that work for people as and when they wish to visit it. The hub hosts information to help anyone who needs support to self-manage their condition or support a family member or friend in doing so. It includes information on what Type 2 Diabetes is, the symptoms, and how it can be managed through diet and lifestyle.
“Through the hub, individuals can access our weight management, nutrition, physical activity services and more. It is also where people can find more information on our Control It Plus program.”
For more information visit: www.nhsggc.scot/t2diabeteshub
