Debra’s Keto Kebab: A Turning Point in Her Type 2 Diabetes Journey

A year ago, Debra visited her doctor due to some health issues and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The doctor wanted to prescribe Metformin immediately, but Debra wished to explore lifestyle changes before considering medication. Here’s how she managed it over the past year.

I’m eager to share my story and photos. I love helping others. As someone who has reversed diabetes, it wasn’t hard—it was actually easy for me. And during this process, I lost 55 pounds (25 kg) in just over six months. Here’s my journey.

It’s been exactly 12 months since my type 2 diabetes diagnosis. What better time to share my story than on this anniversary?

Let me pour a cup of coffee, add a good splash of double cream, grab a couple of pieces of 85% dark chocolate, sit down, and relax—I’m about to begin!

In early December 2017, I visited my doctor with worrying symptoms: severe heartburn for weeks (which I no longer suffer from) and IBS-like symptoms (frequent dashes to the bathroom). These weren’t typical type 2 diabetes symptoms, but looking back, I had other issues related to diabetes that I’d attributed to menopause—dry mouth, yeast infections, and occasional blurry vision. The doctor ordered blood work.

On December 8, 2017, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, with an HbA1c of 62 mmol/mol (7.8% DCCT). Anything over 48 indicates diabetes. The diabetes nurse wanted to start me on Metformin right away and mentioned the disease is progressive. I asked for three months to try lifestyle changes first, and she agreed.

I didn’t want to start medication immediately. My mum was once offered Thalidomide during her pregnancy with me but refused it despite being unwell. Metformin, while beneficial and safe, can have unpleasant side effects. Many patients think they can continue their usual diet while on Metformin, which contributes to the disease’s progression. Even with medication, reducing carb intake, especially foods that spike blood sugar like bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes, is crucial. Blood sugar spikes can lead to complications like kidney issues, eye problems, and strokes. It’s best to keep blood sugar levels controlled to avoid complications and further medications.

Back to my journey. I left the doctor’s office emotionally devastated, feeling I’d brought this on myself and worried about my future, especially seeing what my mum went through with the same condition. I felt quite ashamed.

My weight was 203 lbs (93 kg) at the time. The photo of me holding flowers was taken on my last day working for PDS Medical on November 26, 2017, showing my heaviest weight. I immediately googled “reversing diabetes” and found lots of info pointing to a low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diet as a solution. I was thrilled to discover there was a way out!

I changed my eating habits right away.

I joined Diabetes.co.uk, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I searched for ‘carbs’ to understand what they were and how they affected my body. I read extensively on the forum and Diet Doctor website, watched YouTube videos, and transformed my eating habits.

I cut out pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, cereals, fruit juice, red wine, and peanuts! I found alternative foods. Never thought I could quit wine completely, but I did—cold turkey.

I became the designated driver, much to my husband’s delight! I started drinking jugs of water in the evenings. I began testing my blood glucose levels first thing in the morning (fasting blood sugar), before eating, and two hours after meals. If the reading wasn’t back to baseline or within two points, I examined what I’d eaten to avoid it or adjust portions next time. I realized higher carb intake led to higher readings.

By December 28, 2017, I’d lost 14 lbs (6 kg), down to 189 lbs (86 kg). I weighed myself daily. When asked about my diet changes, I just mentioned having high blood sugar—I was too ashamed to admit I had diabetes.

By February 1, 2018, I’d lost 28 lbs (13 kg), down to 175 lbs (79 kg). I was gradually accepting my condition and started admitting to friends I had diabetes, though still with some reluctance.

On February 11, 2018, while packing for a Portugal holiday, I found all my holiday clothes were too loose! I had to quickly buy a new wardrobe, which was exciting despite the pressure. The photo in white trousers was taken while trying on clothes.

On February 19, 2018, during a diabetes review, my HbA1c was 47 mmol/mol (6.4% DCCT), placing me in the pre-diabetes range (42-48). No mention of starting medication. I was overjoyed but knew I still had work to do.

By May 2, 2018, I’d lost 42 lbs (19 kg). Another diabetes review showed my HbA1c at 41 mmol/mol (5.9% DCCT), a non-diabetic level (below 42).

At this point, I started sharing my story widely—on social media, with shoppers, and on the Diabetes.co.uk forum. My blog about losing 3 stone (42 lbs, 19 kg) and needing new clothes caught the attention of their press office.

My “stardom” began!

On June 28, 2018, I reached my goal of losing 50 lbs (23 kg), weighing 153 lbs (69 kg).

I wanted to spread the word.

On July 3, 2018, my local Gazette and their Facebook page featured my story. I engaged with comments and questions, eager to help others.

On July 18, 2018, local photographer Scott Somerside saw my Facebook post and invited me for a photo shoot. The results were fantastic—I looked slim and confident. If you’re considering a photo shoot, Scott is amazing to work with!

I proposed to forum members on Diabetes.co.uk that we collaborate on PR efforts, videos, and photos to spread awareness. The forum supported us, providing resources and a PR team. Despite tight preparation time, we organized a successful event on September 1, meeting and thanking forum heroes in person. We compiled inspiring stories of diabetes reversal, weight loss, and health improvements into a low-carb recipe booklet with tips and a blood sugar monitoring guide. I included a paper by local doctor Dr. Unwin on the cost savings of low-carb programs and a 1936 diabetes guideline mentioning keto.

In September, an edition of the Northern Life magazine featured me juggling low-carb food—a hilarious and genius touch.

In October, Simply You Magazine invited me to London for a makeover and to share my story, thanks to the Diabetes.co.uk press office. It was a wonderful day at the studio, and I met a dear forum friend.

Also in October, I joined the Patient Participation Group at my surgery. The practice has been very supportive, and we’re planning how I can assist others with diabetes—whether through one-on-one sessions or talks.

I also joined the local Diabetes Group, which meets monthly at Tesco. They’ve asked me to speak about my journey in January—a bit out of my comfort zone, but I’ll gain confidence as I start.

In November, “A patient’s story—Debra” was attached to the GP newsletter, circulated across two surgeries and hopefully around Blackpool, Fylde, and Wyre.

My latest diabetes review showed an HbA1c of 39 mmol/mol (5.7%), in the 30s—a range I hadn’t been in for a while.

Hopefully, we can inspire more people with diabetes to explore these options.

In December, the practice manager at my surgery is actively promoting my help to others and confirmed the council wants to collaborate. They’re keen on initiatives that encourage good health. I have the support of forum members who are ready to assist in any way they can.

I’ve now lost 56 lbs (25 kg), weighing 148 lbs (67 kg)—just 1 lb (0.5 kg) to go for my target!

On December 6, 2018, I received an invite to a CCG meeting.

What an incredible year—one of the best and most rewarding of my life. My diabetes diagnosis has been a blessing in disguise.

I believe my blogs have inspired others to follow this path, and the feedback is heartwarming. I know how hard it is to lose even 1 lb (0.5 kg), having once given up after trying. The moral? NEVER GIVE UP. YOU CAN DO IT!

Special thanks to:

My mum, my guiding light, loved and missed every day, especially during the holiday season when she used to stay with us.

My wonderful husband, who’s been supportive. He’s lost 18 lbs (8 kg) himself with small dietary changes. Well done! I’m so proud of you.

My family and friends, you know who you are.

The Diabetes.co.uk forum for connecting me with incredible people. Their support has been amazing and a privilege to experience.

The Armenian Kebab house for my weekly treat—chicken shish without pita bread, with plenty of chili sauce and garlic mayo.

My local farm for supplying eggs, bacon, cream, and cheese!

Every journey begins with a single step.

Thank you, Diet Doctor, for your help. I recommend you to everyone when sharing my story.