Let’s start with a sobering truth that doesn’t get nearly enough airtime:
Type 2 diabetes is not a gentle condition.
It’s not “a bit of raised blood sugar.” It’s not a quirky metabolic personality trait. It’s a slow, structural saboteur that quietly works on your nerves, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes, and heart.
And here’s the maddening part:
For many people, it’s also incredibly treatable — even reversible — without medical intervention.
Not easy. Not fun. Not glamorous. But treatable.
It’s not an inevitable consequence of our modern lifestyle, although it might seem like it. While we’re talking percentages, 10% of people in the UK have type 2 diabetes. And another 11% are on the path to developing it. That’s over 1/5 of the population at serious risk.
I’ve lived with Type 2 long enough and done enough research to know exactly what it can do. My HbA1c recently hit 79 mmol/mol — “molasses‑thick blood” territory — and I’ve had the early flickers of neuropathy to remind me that this isn’t a theoretical risk. This is my body tapping me on the shoulder and saying, “Mate… we need to talk.”
So I’m not being dramatic when you hear me say that this weight‑loss project is life‑changing and possibly life‑saving.
That’s not my inner drama queen – it’s simple statistics.
The Good News: I’m already well on the way
As you may have seen in an earlier post, since early December, I’ve lost 6% of my body weight. That’s not a cosmetic tweak. That’s a metabolic intervention. Even at 5–10% weight loss, research shows:
- Better blood sugar control
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced liver fat
- Lower inflammation
- Slower neuropathy progression
- Lower cardiovascular risk
- Lower all‑cause mortality
In other words:
I’ve already shifted the curve.
And the best part?
I’m nowhere near done.
The Road Ahead (AKA: The Percentages That Will Save My Bacon)
Here’s how the next few milestones look:
10 % Weight Loss
This is where many people see dramatic improvements in blood sugar. Some even hit remission territory. Even if I don’t, the health benefits stack up fast.
15 % Weight Loss — Another 3–4 Weeks After That
This is where the big metabolic magic happens. Studies show that 15% weight loss can:
- Reduce visceral fat significantly
- Improve insulin sensitivity
- Reduce liver fat to near‑normal
- Dramatically lower cardiovascular risk
This is the “body reboot” zone.
20 – 30% Weight Loss — the long-term goal
This is the territory where Type 2 diabetes often goes into full remission for people who’ve had it for years. Even if I “only” hit 20–25%, that’s still:
- A massive reduction in long‑term risk
- A huge improvement in mobility, fitness, and energy
- A complete shift in how my body handles food, fasting, and exercise
And yes — losing a quarter to a third of my entire bodyweight is a wild thing to say out loud. But it’s also absolutely achievable. I’ve done the maths, I’ve done the planning, and I’ve already built the momentum.
Why I’m Not Worried
This isn’t a panic project.
This isn’t fear‑fuelled.
This is a pragmatic approach to my own health.
I’m not sitting here wringing my hands about my mortality and the (very real) risks of losing a foot or going blind, or dying early. I’m simply acknowledging the reality of Type 2 diabetes and choosing to do something about it — with humour, spreadsheets, fasting schedules, exercise, a sensible diet and the occasional tactical retreat to the bathroom.😏
I’m not about to be put off by set backs, upset stomachs, Christmas and New Year’s festivities or whatever.
I’m confident.
I’m committed.
And I’m already seeing the benefits.
This isn’t just weight loss.
This is a complete physical transformation.
And you ain’t seen nothing yet! 😊
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