Carer Julia Poole, aged 60, from Appleby, has astonished friends and family by completely transforming her health thanks to a tailored programme of diet and exercise.

She was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes several years ago and had always struggled with fatigue and low mood, on top of rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune disease which made her whole body ache.

However, since joining the ‘Healthwise’ scheme at Appleby Leisure Centre at the beginning of the year, she has lost almost two stone, her blood sugar levels are back to normal and her joint pain has disappeared. More than that, she says she feels more optimistic than she has in years.

“My GP referred me to the scheme,” Scottish-born Julia explains. “I go to the gym six days a week, go swimming and to classes and I’ve also been following a low-calorie diet. I feel so much better in myself. My family can’t believe it - they are all amazed at how my outlook has changed and how happy I am. I can’t wait to see the nurses’ faces when I go for my next diabetes check-up!”

She adds that the input of leisure centre staff has also played a major role in her success. “The moral support they’ve given me has been fantastic. Ian, the manager, has been so helpful. He’s given me diet sheets and suggested lots of low-carb recipes to try.”

Diabetes is a health condition which causes a person’s blood sugar levels to become too high which can have an adverse effect on their health. With type 1, a person’s immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin. With type 2 diabetes – which is much more common – either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells don’t respond to it properly.

Early symptoms can include tiredness, excessive thirst and needing to urinate more frequently. Experts agree that being active, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet are essential in helping people to manage the condition.

Appleby Leisure Centre is managed by charitable social-enterprise GLL under the ‘Better’ brand. The organisation’s ethos is to reinvest in communities, and offering Healthwise to the public is an important part of that.

Manager Ian Thompson comments, “The Healthwise programme is aimed at those who would benefit from support to become more active. Once the referral comes through, I meet the client and we discuss their health - whether that be medical conditions, social/family life, or how they feel in general. We then agree a plan of action, which might include the pool, the gym or even a bike ride around town. 

“Julia is living proof that the scheme works. Her commitment to her own health has paid off and she should be proud of her achievements,” he continues. “Julia now bounces into the building, brightening up the rooms as she goes.  Her smile has returned and she has the gym bug.”