Diabetes Week: “How I lost 36 lbs and came off gliclazide”

The theme of this year’s Diabetes Week is “Talk About Diabetes”, and there is a community of people with diabetes talking loud and proud about the progress they have made.
Since the launch of our Low Carb Program in 2015, over 330,000 people have been learning to eat a healthy, real-food diet and enjoying benefits such as weight loss, improved blood sugar control and coming off diabetes medications.
One such success story is Graham Hogben.
Graham lost 16 kg (36 lbs) in one year upon joining the Low Carb Program, and experienced a positive, significant reduction in his blood glucose levels. He was also able to come off the type 2 diabetes medication gliclazide, and his dose of metformin was halved.
Healthcare professionals remain divided on low carb’s benefits. Whereas some doctors, such as Dr David Unwin, have achieved great success with patients who have embraced low carb, other doctors have been tentative.
Graham’s inspiring story is testimony that low carb can achieve fantastic results.
“In 10 weeks, I lost 18lbs/8kg and three inches around my waist; I was very motivated to continue this weight loss, and have done so successfully, now weighing in at 36lbs lighter,” Graham said.
“Additionally, my night sweats, itchy skin and occasional blurred vision have gone now that I have my BG under control – all because of a low carb diet.”
Prior to joining the Low Carb Program, Graham ate a low fat diet. More and more research studies are indicating that low fat is less beneficial than low carb, including for heart health.
Graham’s success inspired him to create his own Facebook group, ‘Lose Weight Without The Pain and Hunger’, where he provides updates on his success and improved health.
In 2016, the Low Carb Program won the Positive Social Impact Award at Lloyds Bank National Business Awards UK 2016. More than 40% of people with type 2 diabetes who start the program on medication eliminate at least one drug at one year upon completing the program.
The Low Carb Program’s success has since inspired the Type 1 Program, developed by Dr Ian Lake, a Gloucestershire-based GP who lives with type 1 diabetes. The program has been designed to help people with type 1 diabetes avoid rollercoaster blood sugar levels, and is now available for people to register their interest.