Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre has made a remarkable health breakthrough, shedding seven stone in just four and a half months following his diagnosis with type two diabetes in January. Having embarked on an NHS-backed diabetes remission programme, which includes a strict liquid meal plan, McIntyre’s story underlines the critical importance of early detection and proactive management of the condition.
Calorie intake on the programme is limited to 800-900 per day, primarily through soups and shakes, designed to promote rapid weight loss and metabolic reset. McIntyre is now on track to achieve remission from diabetes, an outcome that has profound implications for long-term health.
Diabetes affects over 7,450 people in Gloucester alone—roughly five percent of the city’s population—highlighting an urgent need for wider screening and awareness. McIntyre shares his personal experience candidly, recounting how his initial symptoms and being overweight prompted testing and diagnosis. “It was a huge wake-up call,” he says. “Research shows undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes diagnosed in your 30s can reduce life expectancy by 16 years. For me, with a young family, that made taking control essential.”
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Beyond his own health journey, McIntyre has hosted events in Parliament alongside Diabetes UK to spotlight advances and challenges in diabetes care. Early onset type two diabetes is a growing concern, particularly among younger adults in their 20s and 30s.
Before his diagnosis, McIntyre aimed to lose weight but found greater motivation once placed on the NHS remission pathway, a year-long programme with an initial 12-week phase focused on a stringent diet of meal replacements. While the programme also offers injectable medication to aid weight loss, McIntyre chose to focus solely on dietary changes, achieving significant results and awaiting confirmation of diabetes remission from upcoming blood tests.
Diabetes UK research indicates that about 60% of individuals who complete this intensive intervention can put their diabetes into remission, effectively reducing risks of severe complications like amputations, blindness, and heart disease.
“Diabetes remission is transformational and accessible to most recently diagnosed patients who are committed to the process,” McIntyre notes. However, he emphasizes the importance of regular checkups, as data shows only 61.5% of people with diabetes in Gloucester receive their full set of annual checks, and just 28% meet all recommended treatment targets—both figures below the national average.
McIntyre believes programmes like the pathway to remission represent a paradigm shift from treating symptoms to preventing progression through lifestyle intervention. Since its pilot launch in 2020, over 25,000 people have been offered the chance to participate.
His final message is clear: “Get tested. If you notice symptoms or have gained weight, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis can save years of life and improve quality of life drastically.”