“I didn’t know that it would feel this way to be part of research. It has been life changing.”
These are the words of RESET for Remission trial participant Gulninder, who was interviewed about her experience on BBC East Midlands Today on Friday 19 May 2023.
Gulninder, age 45, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes around a year ago, featured in the piece filmed at the Leicester Diabetes Centre, alongside Dr Matthew McCarthy, the Project Manager for RESET for Remission, and Dr Jonathan Goldney, NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow in Diabetes and Endocrinology.
The NIHR Leicester BRC Lifestyle Theme’s ‘RESET For Remission’ trial aims to reverse type 2 diabetes in young adults through a combined low energy diet and exercise regime.
After being recruited to the trial in January 2023, Gulninder has lost 11 kilograms, and is now in remission from type 2 diabetes.
During the last six months, Gulninder has worked with Dr McCarthy and the team, attending regular exercise classes and receiving guidance on diet and lifestyle.
She said: “I didn’t really think much about my weight or my health before being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but then everything changed. As I have a young family, I knew I had to do something.
“Being part of the trial has been life changing. It’s inspired me to make big changes, like giving up alcohol, and exercising regularly. I’ve felt so supported throughout, and knowing that the changes I’ve made have led to me going into remission makes me feel really proud.”
Dr Matthew McCathy added: “Gulninder has done fantastically well. She’s embraced being part of the trial and we’re delighted that she’s seeing the benefits of participating.
“We have now consented 27 people into the trial and have yet to experience any drop-outs from those receiving the diet and exercise. Once we carry out a detailed analysis of all of the participants’ outcomes, we will be able to better understand the impact that RESET for Remission has had, and take what we have learned forward, hopefully helping many more young type 2 diabetes patients like Gulninder.”
For more information on the trial, please visit The RESET 4 REMISSION Trial