September 1, 2025
Here, Gareth kindly shares his journey with Type 2 diabetes, including the steps he’s taken since diagnosis and the role EMPOWER structured diabetes education has played in giving him the tools to take control.
Before I was officially diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I’d been hovering around it for some time – possibly years. Blood tests for another condition had shown I was close to the marker, but like many others, I hoped things would improve on their own, as they had before.
For a while, I slipped under the radar at my practice. But when the surgery was taken over by a larger group, I was invited for an annual review. After some blood tests, I was told my sugar levels were too high and a follow-up confirmed the diagnosis. That led to an appointment with the Diabetic Nurse.
The nurse was brilliant. She explained Type 2 diabetes clearly, including the role of diet and exercise. She gave me two Diabetes UK booklets I still use today, and a leaflet about EMPOWER, suggesting I self-refer.
I’d already joined patient support groups when I was diagnosed with Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Pernicious Anaemia, both of which I found invaluable. So, when I heard about EMPOWER, self-referral was an easy decision. After emailing, I had a friendly chat with a colleague and booked myself onto the first available course.
The course itself was excellent. I learned so much – even things that sounded like “common sense,” but clearly weren’t part of my daily routine.
The best way I can describe it is invaluable. If I could give just three words to anyone considering it: go for it.
The follow-up resources were also hugely helpful as I adjusted to life with Type 2 diabetes. My personal goal is remission, and this course has given me the knowledge and confidence to work towards it.
These days I use an app to track my meals and exercise, which gives me a weekly analysis of calories, protein and fat. I plan weekly menus and order food deliveries every Thursday. No more wandering the supermarket adding extras I don’t need.
If you’re close to the marker or newly diagnosed, my advice is simple: listen to your healthcare team, be mindful of what you eat, and move more. Treats are still possible, just in moderation – I still enjoy a piece of chocolate ginger.
For me, EMPOWER has been the key to understanding my diabetes and taking control. It’s given me the tools to manage my health – and the belief that remission is possible.
CLI5428AUG25
