The turning point - Helen's story
Meet Helen
After a routine check-up revealed an HbA1c level of 45, Helen was referred to the Healthier You programme by her GP. Reed Wellbeing has delivered Healthier You - the name for the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme - for more than a decade. In that time, we have supported more than 242,000 people to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Helen said the referral was a turning point she didn't know she needed:
I’ve lived with PCOS since my early twenties, so insulin resistance has always been part of my story. But between work and life’s responsibilities, I never really prioritised my own health. Over the years, I tried every diet imaginable, once losing six stone, but the weight always crept back.
When I retired from teaching at 59, I joined a gym and started seeing a personal trainer twice a week. My fitness improved, but the weight still wouldn’t shift. Then, at 63, my blood sugar levels confirmed I was at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Our support
Healthier You is a nine-month behaviour change programme that helps supports people at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
As participants progress through the programme, they will start to feel healthier through the changes they make to your own lifestyle. They key part of the programme is ensuring these changes are sustainable - now and in the future.
Helen said:
I was nervous about joining the programme. I thought it would be all about strict diets and restrictions. But it wasn’t like that at all. Healthier You gave me the tools to make lasting changes - real, sustainable ones. It helped me understand my body, my habits, and how to take control of my health.
It hasn’t been an easy journey. I’ve faced personal challenges, including the heartbreaking loss of my sister and suffering a minor stroke halfway through the course. But I stayed committed. I had a new grandchild and now with another on the way, I wanted to be healthy and present for them.
Moving forward
The changes to Helen's life and health since joining Healthier You have been significant:
Since starting the programme, I’ve lost 19.5% of my body weight. I regularly hit over 70,000 steps a week, and I still train with my PT twice a week. My fitness has soared. I’ve never smoked, and I drink only in moderation. With PCOS, weight loss has always been difficult, but this programme showed me that it’s not about dieting. It’s about mindset and lifestyle.
I now look at food differently. I’ve reduced my calorie intake and portion sizes significantly. I feel more confident in every part of my life. I’ll continue using the programme’s resources as my guide, and I’ll keep monitoring my progress with my PT and GP.
I truly believe Healthier You has saved my life.
If you’ve been referred to this programme, do it. It can change your life, just like it changed mine.
