A newly elected Labour MP has lost seven stone (44.4kg) since January after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Alex McIntyre, who represents Gloucester, says he is determined to show others that it is possible to put the condition into remission.
McIntyre, 32, called the diagnosis “the wake-up call I needed” and said it has led him to reassess his relationship with food. Now, he is urging those who are overweight to get tested for diabetes and consider joining the NHS’s rapid weight loss programme.
In an interview with BBC Radio Gloucestershire, McIntyre explained that being an MP has given him a platform to speak publicly about his experience. “The real privilege of being an MP is that I can talk about my diabetes publicly to help others,” he said.
According to NHS data, about 34,000 people in Gloucestershire are living with type 2 diabetes. The condition occurs when the body struggles to produce enough insulin, which helps regulate glucose levels. High blood sugar can lead to severe health complications, including heart disease, sight loss, nerve damage, and even amputation.
Obesity is one of the main causes of type 2 diabetes, but weight loss through lifestyle changes can put the disease into remission. McIntyre’s message is clear: lifestyle adjustments, especially weight loss, can help people manage the disease.
For those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in their 30s, the condition can shorten life expectancy by an average of 16 years. McIntyre noted that this statistic hit home for him: “For me, 16 years is the difference between seeing my son grow up and getting married one day—or not,” he said. “It’s also made me reflect on my relationship with food and ask myself, ‘What do I want my life to look like over the next 20 years?’ I want it to be healthier, happier, and more active.”
McIntyre is currently participating in the NHS’s Pathway to Remission programme, which is a year-long initiative starting with a 12-week diet consisting of soups and shakes, providing around 800-900 calories a day. He admitted the programme is challenging but emphasized that it offers strong support. “It’s not for the faint-hearted, but you are supported throughout,” he said. “You have weekly check-ins, and you monitor your blood sugar and weight to ensure you’re making progress in a healthy way.”
Nearly one-third of participants who complete the programme achieve remission from diabetes, according to the NHS.
The MP credits the support of his friends and family, as well as the increased energy he feels when playing with his son, as key factors that helped him through his journey. He hopes his public story will not only inspire others but also spark a broader conversation about the importance of supporting people in managing their health.
“I want to show people that you can do it,” McIntyre said. “But I also want to encourage a discussion about how we can better support people with diabetes.”
Related Topics:
