A local man is celebrating after losing over two stone and being able to reduce his symptoms of type 2 diabetes and gaining control.

Paul Hewitt’s inspirational story backs up research showing that people with type 2 diabetes can improve their diabetes control by making healthy lifestyle changes and losing weight.

The study polled was by Slimming World members who suffer from type 2 diabetes. Of those who had been Slimming World members for six months or more and lost at least 10 per cent of their body weight, more than half said they believed they had reversed their condition.

60 per cent of people were able to reduce to stop taking medication and 77 per cent saw improvements in their blood glucose management.

An incredible 84 per cent reported an improved quality of life and 75 per cent of members with type 2 diabetes said they found it easy to fit dietary requirements from their healthcare team into Slimming World’s food optimisation plan.

Mr Hewitt and his wife Tracey, who has lost over 10 stone, attend the Pirelli Slimming World group in Carlisle which is currently running virtually.

He said: “I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and the doctor told me I would need to take medicate to manage it, my blood sugar was dangerously high, my weight was seriously impacting my health. I needed to take control of my weight to help manage the condition.

“Being overweight impacted on so many aspects of my life, from struggling to find clothes that I liked to fit to not being able to do simple everyday tasks without feeling out of breath. I always felt like I was lacking energy and like I was on a slippery slope to gaining more and more weight - I didn’t really see a way out.

“I found such a warm welcome from fellow members and my consultant at my local group. The food talk is great, we share recipes and ideas for getting active and it’s useful to get tips from other members who’ve also been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

“I’m definitely not feeling on my own with my weight-loss journey I feel like I can take on the world now. As a group we’re closer than ever before.”

With support from his diabetes healthcare team, Mr Hewitt followed a Slimming World eating plan, swapping takeaways and shop-bought sandwiches for homemade chilli, Slimming World curries and stir fry.

He continued: “People think slimming means going hungry, yet it’s not like that all with this healthy eating plan.

“I love food and it’s never once felt like I was on a diet - even during lockdown I’ve been able to make whatever is in the supermarket or my store cupboard fit with my diabetes care plan.

“That’s the beauty of food optimisation, it’s so flexible with so many foods that we can eat and enjoy freely and recipes to choose from so you never need to go hungry.

“I can still eat my favourite meal of sticky chicken with rice and slimming world chips, I love a cooked breakfast on a weekend, just by making a few simple swaps. I easily tailor the plan to fit my dietary needs - all with the support of my diabetes care team, doctor, nurse and healthcare professional.”

To date Mr Hewitt has lost a total of 2st 6lbs, he is much more active and during lockdown has been regularly out on his bike doing 70 plus miles in a week.

Denise Broughton who runs the Slimming World group, said: “Looking after ourselves and our health is more important than ever right now, and the changes Paul has told us about are incredible. I hope his success will inspire other people who’d like to lose weight, improve their health and form new lifestyle habits to take action.

“There’s always a warm welcome waiting for you at Slimming World and, just think, if you start today you could feel like a completely new person like Paul.”

To join call Mrs Broughton on 07799708465 or contact your local consultant.

For more information, motivation and recipe ideas visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk.