Hello Katehh
My HbA1c was just above the threshold to qualify to follow the NHS programme so, after discussion with my GP I followed a very low calorie meal replacement diet (Newcastle Plan) on my own using Exante shakes, supplemented by a daily plate of boiled or stir fried non starchy veg, or salad, sometimes I blended the veg to make a soup. Very occasionally I treated myself to an M&S salad and pasta bowl which was the same calorie count as a single shake. If I needed a blast of flavour I had a pickled onion or two or a can of shop bought beef consomme soup. Plus 2 litres of water each day and black unsweetened tea (chai, green, jasmine, earl grey and black for some variety). I started in early October 2023. Family visited during week 3 so two days off of the shakes, and I took a break of 7 days for xmas. All together I followed the diet for 11 weeks up to xmas and weight dropped from 17st 13lbs to 14st 2lbs. I went back to the diet for 3 weeks after xmas and ended at my target of 13st 6lbs (total loss of 4st 7lbs). BA1c dropped from 88 to 37, cholesterol and blood pressure returned to normal and I was taken off of metformin and atorvastatin.
Since the end of January I have lost a little more weight (now weigh 12st 11bs) and am due another HbA1c test next week. My morning fasting finger prick testing is averaging 5.4 for the past 3 months.
I can't comment on the NHS programme, but the very low calorie diet over a relatively short period worked for me. My partner was very supportive. The regular, sustained weight loss was a very big motivator. I was advised not to take up any new exercise during the diet because this can lead to compensatory eating. I found the diet period dull rather than difficult. Hunger pangs did reduce significantly after 36/48 hours and my mind and body got used to having less. I did suffer, variously with wind, constipation and diarrhea but that all worked through and I was never fully sure how much this was diet or medicines, or both. The weeks on shakes did also help break my bad food habits once I returned to a "new" normal eating.
I can well understand that this approach does not suit everyone, but it can work, and it did for me. My hope and expectation now is that if I can sustain the weight loss, my liver and pancreas will repair and my insulin resistance will remit and I should stay in remission.
Good look with whatever route you choose to take.
