Donna’s delight at putting her type 2 diabetes into remission after 6st weight loss

Psychiatric nurse Donna Gough, 57, from Inverness, made the decision to join Slimming World with her friend after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. 

Mother-of-two Donna says: “I’ve struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember and as a teenager, I felt I weighed more than my friends. I often ate emotionally, whether I was happy or sad I would turn to food. I’ve tried many fad diets throughout my adult life – you name it, I’ve probably tried it! I found that I could lose weight, but I quickly put all of it back on again when the diet ended. 

“When I was at my highest weight, I was prescribed tablets by my GP to help with my high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Working in health, I was embarrassed I’d let it get this far. I knew what the outcomes of these conditions could look like, and it made me nervous thinking about what the future would be if I didn’t do something."
 

Donna and her friend, Janet, discovered they both wanted to lose weight and joined their local Slimming World group in January 2023. Although Donna admits she felt daunted on that first night, she was warmly welcomed by her Consultant and the other group members. 

She says: “I was worried that getting weighed each week would be stressful and embarrassing, but I soon realised it was anything but. My weight was confidential – just between me and the person weighing me and I found getting weighed each week kept me motivated and accountable, too. Everyone in group is friendly and so supportive. We really are all in it together.” 

Since then, Donna has lost 6st 2½lbs following Slimming World’s healthy eating plan and is still able to enjoy her favourite meals like curry and chilli. She says: “Before joining Slimming World, I would often skip breakfast and this would lead to me having big portions of every other meal I ate. Now, I love breakfast and usually opt for Weetabix with a banana. I’ve also swapped convenience meals for homemade Slimming World recipes and I always have meals from the Slimming World Free Food range at Iceland in the freezer for when I’m pushed for time. 

“My husband enjoys the same meals as me, which is really helpful as we don’t have to spend time preparing different foods and I stay on track.” 

Reaching her target weight in February 2024, Donna has put her type 2 diabetes into remission. Her high blood pressure medicine has also been reduced. 

Donna’s inspirational story backs up research published in the journal Archives of Diabetes & Obesityⁱ, showing that, of the Slimming World members surveyed who were living with type 2 diabetes and had lost weight, a third reported their diabetes had gone into remission. This increased to 51% for those who’d lost at least 10% of their body weight. More than 61% were able to reduce or stop taking their diabetes medication, and 81% saw improvements in their blood glucose (also known as blood sugar levels) management. 

As well as improving her health and relationship with food, Donna has grown in confidence and motivation, increasing her activity levels with Slimming World’s physical activity support programme, which encourages members to gradually increase the amount of fitness they do and to choose activity they enjoy. Donna is now learning how to play golf and she regularly goes for walks with friends. 

She says: “My Slimming World journey began with my friend, and I’m delighted that we’ve both reached our target weights. Not only has my health improved, I can now run around after my grandchildren. I’ve made new friends at my Slimming World group and changed my life for the better.” 

Robert Ince, who runs the Inverness Slimming World group, which Donna attends, says: “Donna is such an inspirational member and it’s been amazing to watch her journey unfold. 

“Our group is filled with support and encouragement. Donna now regularly shares ideas and gets involved in conversations, and always cheers everyone on.” 

This World Diabetes Day, we're proud to partner with Diabetes UK to help raise awareness of diabetes, and the support they provide for many people living with and affected by the condition.

ⁱ Study polled 222 members with type 2 diabetes in May 2020. Data where blood glucose and weight change is reported refers to members with type 2 diabetes who were members for six months or more.