How Paul lost 20 kg made strides towards type 2 diabetes remission

“I realised I needed to stop the decline in my health and make a change.”

Paul’s weight had crept up over the years, leaving him feeling tired, experiencing joint pain, and unable to maintain the active lifestyle he enjoyed in his 20s and 30s. His diabetes reviews were discouraging, showing worsening HbA1c levels, daily sugar readings, and cholesterol.

When his diabetes nurse recommended Oviva, Paul hesitated at first. But reminding himself, “I’m not a failure because I didn’t succeed. I’m a failure because I didn’t try,” Paul decided to give Oviva a go – determined to stop the negative trends in his health.

Although Paul considered starting in November, after chatting to Oviva about the obstacles of losing weight over Christmas, the festive season when it comes to weight loss but after a helpful, long phone conversation with Oviva, where we discussed the many obstacles that December brings with Christmas parties and family gatherings, I decided I would be more focused starting in January and completing it as a New Year’s resolution. A new start, a new me!

My wife was amazing throughout, she even started eating in the other room to keep me away from the sight and smell of her food,” he shares. Friends also played a huge role, offering support and encouragement: “They never once tried to get me to falter with “one night off won’t hurt you”, they watched over me like hawks to make sure I didn’t succumb to temptation.

Paul allowed himself two planned days off during the 12 weeks to stay motivated for social events – a strategy that helped him stick to the programme.

By the end of the TDR phase, Paul had lost nearly 20kg – about 20% of his body weight – and dropped from a size 38-inch waist to a 34.

“This is a massive step towards putting my diabetes in remission.”

Paul’s progress has been transformative. He’s reduced his metformin intake from four tablets daily to one and is now working with his diabetes nurse to trial life without medication altogether.

Physically, Paul feels better than he has in 15 years. He’s less tired, has fewer joint issues, and enjoys fitting into smaller clothes. Mentally, the sense of accomplishment from reversing negative health trends has been great.

I worked hard and had so much support from family, friends, and the Oviva team. It’s all been worth it.