Del Bains aged 57 from Leicester was finding it harder and harder to manage his type 2 diabetes, until a conversation led him to the COMBINE study at the Leicester Diabetes Centre.
Del found out about the study after chatting to a colleague at work. He’d noticed that the colleague had lost weight, and at that time, Del was struggling to keep his type 2 diabetes under control.
“I’ve had type 2 diabetes for three years, and work really hard to manage my blood sugars, but I was finding it more difficult and my sugars were creeping up to around 11% (or 97mmol/mol). My colleague told me that they were taking part in a research study at the Leicester Diabetes Centre. I decided to find out more, and whether I’d be eligible to take part.”
After speaking to his GP, Del was invited to take part in the COMBINE study, which is funded by the NIHR Leicester BRC.
The aim of this trial was to see whether combining structured exercise and a high protein, low energy diet could minimise muscle loss while attempting to reverse diabetes. Blood sugar control was also monitored over the 12 week period.
“What I liked about the study was how straightforward they made it for me to follow. I was given meal boxes, and had to visit the LDC for structured strength and exercise sessions, as well as going on walks each day.”
After 12 weeks Del had lost 20kg and his blood sugars were at 5.7% (or 39mmol/mol), well within the diabetes remission range. Del is now off all medication as a result.
“I felt more energised, and felt positive about managing my type 2 diabetes again,” Del continued. “I received so much support by taking part in the study – when it came to both diet and exercise. The support I received made all the difference.
“Making the visits, and following the diet is a big commitment, but I’d recommend taking part in research to anyone.”
Type 2 diabetes is more common and is diagnosed at an earlier age in South Asian adults. This is worrying because diabetes can cause heart, kidney and physical function problems. The COMBINE trial has now completed recruitment and the results are to be showcased at the European Congress of Obesity in Istanbul in May.