A DIABETIC woman has gone from a size 22 to a size 14 after losing nearly three stone.
Margaret O’Connell has transformed her health so much that her Type 2 diabetes is now in remission and she has championed the support she has received from Slimming World.
It was when Margaret, from Hadfield, realised her weight was stopping her from living the life she wanted to that she knew she had to make a big change.
Margaret never weighed herself so was shocked to be told the reality, but she’s found a way to lose two stone and 11.5 pounds, improve her health and not have to give up her favourite meals.
Her story backs up research showing that people with Type 2 diabetes can improve their management of the disease by making healthy lifestyle changes and losing weight. More than half of members surveyed with Type 2 diabetes, who had lost at least 10 per cent of their body weight, said they had put the condition into remission.
Slimming World allows people to live the life they want, eat the food they want and still lose weight. Their groups offer members support, commitment and accountability, as well as access to a members-only website and app for on-the-go weight loss support.
Margaret says she absolutely loves going to the 9am group at Hadfield Cricket Club.
Consultant Jane Sigley said: “Margaret is a huge part of our group. She is absolutely full of empathy and support for other members, you can absolutely tell she loves coming to the group.
“She has learnt so much about herself – strategies, triggers and all sorts. I’m super proud of Margaret for digging deeper during a couple of months where she was struggling but she never gave up and, since April, she has received nine certificates in 15 weeks!
“She was also Slimmer of the Month – the person in our group losing the most weight in that month – for both May and June. She is flying!”
Tailored support for diabetes
Margaret admitted that, before joining Slimming World, her health was really suffering.
“After being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I was scared and wasn’t sure how it was going to affect my life,” she explained.
“I knew that I needed to lose weight to improve my health but I needed some help to do it. I had been chatting to my friend about Slimming World and there was a group near me, so I thought I’d give it a try.
“I met Jane, the consultant, and thought ‘I like her’. So I knew my friend and I didn’t need to worry. Jane put me at ease straight away and the other members were lovely and supportive.
Margaret was given tailored resources – including a dedicated booklet created in partnership with Diabetes UK.
“It made it easy to adapt the Slimming World plan to my needs while staying in line with my healthcare team’s advice,” she said. “Knowing the support was backed by Diabetes UK gave me real confidence I was doing the right thing for my health.”
Diabetes UK estimates that 1.3 million people are currently living with Type 2 diabetes but are yet to be diagnosed.
Douglas Twenefour, Head of Clinical at the charity, said: “We are proud to be working with Slimming World, supporting members who are living with diabetes, or at risk of Type 2 diabetes.
“By combining our expertise on weight loss, long-term healthy eating and diabetes, we are committed to helping people build healthier habits and live healthier lives.”
‘The support from my group was incredible’
Margaret says she could not believe it when she was told that her blood sugar levels were below the Type 2 diabetes range.
She describes the support she’s received from Slimming World as “a total game changer”.
“Now my Type 2 diabetes is in remission, I’ve completely transformed my health by changing what I eat. I’m never hungry as I started making simple swaps, enjoying real food and seeing results fast.
“I did go through a few months where old habits crept back in and I started to gain weight here and there. I never stopped coming to the group, I think that stopped me going completely off the rails. For the first time, I know these changes are something I can stick with!
“I’ve gone from a size 22 to a size 14. I couldn’t have done it alone – the support from my group was incredible. Being surrounded by people who understand the ups and downs of weight loss, without guilt or judgement, was vital.
“Each week, I left with fresh motivation, practical tips and the confidence to keep going. The group’s encouragement – along with Jane’s support – helped me tackle challenges, build healthier habits, and stay committed.”
Planning is key
Jane says Margaret is working towards her award for losing three stone and planning ahead is the key to her success.
“It’s great to hear how Margaret navigates her social life – she still goes out a lot, still enjoys a tipple and a meal out but plans ahead,” she added.
“When food is out of control, she will often eat before she goes and eat smaller amounts. She also talks about mindset being crucial. Social period can have many obstacles including people saying ‘go on, it’s only one’.
“Margaret turns her language to ‘I want my three stone award’ and not ‘I’m on a diet’ which creates a different response.”
Margaret has a word of advice for anyone who is nervous about going to a Slimming World group.
“Go for it – stay in the zone. When you feel yourself flagging, don’t do it – just stick with the reason you joined in the first place.
“Keep your goal and follow the plan – it works and you will get so much support.”
Visit https://www.slimmingworld.co.uk to find your nearest Slimming World group.