Management and business consultant, Life! champion

Bev Friend was not counted in the “280 a day” people developing diabetes. The management and business consultant from Torquay was on the path to getting type 2 diabetes but successfully turned this around.

At least two million Australians have pre-diabetes and are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Not everybody can do what Bev has achieved but there is strong evidence from randomised controlled trials which show that type 2 diabetes can be prevented in up to 58 per cent of people at high risk, through structured lifestyle intervention.

A keen golfer and runner, Bev had always been very health conscious, even whilst working and raising 3 children. Last year, she unfortunately went through some emotionally difficult periods. These tough times sent her into a downward spiral and Bev started to drink more regularly to help relax and ease her stress. Bev’s blood sugar levels also increased and she and her GP were concerned that she was on the path to type 2 diabetes. “One of my closest friends has type 2 diabetes as well as my ex-husband. I’d seen the impact of it and I knew where I was heading.”

After a work function, Bev was driving home and heard a Life! program radio advertisement. She immediately pulled over, wrote the number down and called 13 RISK as soon as she got home. Bev signed up for the Telephone Health Coaching service with health coach Jenny.

“It was just fantastic. Jenny knew the sort of person I was – I work in a similar field in coaching professionals – and she could really click into my head space. Jenny was just terrific and reminded me of all the simple things to do.” Bev made some simple changes. Instead of going home to a couple of glasses of wine, cheese and biscuits every night, she switched to a low fat, low sugar hot chocolate for two nights a week.

“I did that for a month. The next month I didn’t have the hot chocolate and after three months I went off alcohol all together. My liver sent me love letters! Now I’m in a very healthy state. I only drink alcohol in moderation with friends and as soon as I get home I’ll go for a swim, sauna and a spa.”

Bev’s aim was to get back to a healthy weight range, a healthy BMI and lose 10cm from her waist. She achieved that and more losing 11 kilograms and 13cm from her waist. Today Bev is feeling fabulous. “I feel my whole way of life has improved – I’m back on track.”