A woman diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 21 after regularly consuming large amounts of sugary drinks has achieved remission through a nutritionist-recommended diet, losing two-and-a-half stone in nine months.
Diagnosis and Initial Struggles
Isla Henderson, now 27, from Rugby, Warwickshire, was prompted to see a doctor in 2020 after experiencing extreme thirst, headaches, and oversleeping. Tests revealed she had actually been living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) since age 17 but was unaware until that point.
Despite trying to lower her blood sugar levels independently over the following years, Isla felt isolated due to her young age at diagnosis. At her heaviest, she weighed around 20 stone and consumed a 24-pack of Pepsi Max every couple of days, along with two McDonald's takeaways weekly.
The Diet That Changed Everything
In September 2025, feeling she had run out of options, Isla enrolled in a nutrition and exercise plan. The diet consisted of protein smoothies and healthy dinners of meat and vegetables, such as chicken with mixed vegetables. She avoided carbohydrates, including pasta and potatoes, after noticing they spiked her blood sugar. Snacks included low-sugar protein yoghurts, boiled eggs, and raw pepper or carrot sticks.
Initially motivated by wanting to feel her best for her wedding in March next year, Isla was astonished to achieve T2D remission after just six weeks, which also dramatically reduced her blood sugar levels.
Rising Rates in Young People
Recent research from Imperial College London shows that rates of young people, particularly women, being diagnosed with T2D are rising rapidly. While new cases are falling in older adults, they are increasing quickly in those under 40. Researchers warn that longer exposure to the disease can lead to earlier death and greater risk of serious complications.
The study suggests that earlier onset of severe obesity in young people in England is lowering the age of diagnosis. Isla believes her generation's easy access to processed and fast food, along with a lack of nutritional knowledge, contributes to the spike.
Isla's Journey and Advocacy
Isla now shares her journey to remission, urging other young women not to be embarrassed by their diagnosis but to seek help. She said: "I strongly believe that the lack of knowledge around nutrition and not knowing what is good for you is one of the causes for the increase of Type 2 diabetes in young people."
She added: "When I found out I had Type 2 diabetes I was so embarrassed and didn't tell anybody. It's quite related to, 'it's your own fault'. I felt embarrassed because I was so young too."
Isla has since lost 74cm across her body, now wears a size 12, and has reduced her diabetes medication to basic levels that protect her organs. She is a trainee wellness coach and has set up a diabetes support group, with its first meeting next week.
Reflecting on her remission, Isla said: "When I found out that I was in remission, I cried. I had a blood test last week and my levels are still dropping. It's overwhelming but in a good way."
