A Discovery Vitality member since 2009, Toni has been going to her local Clicks every year for a Vitality Health Check. At her 2020 consultation, the nurse noticed a concerning trend in the results of Toni's blood sugar tests over the past four years - while her readings were still within the recommended range, they were slowly rising.

I could've developed type 2 diabetes"

Following the nurse's advice, Toni consulted her doctor to rule out underlying health issues. A diagnosis of insulin resistance, a condition that potentially leads to type 2 diabetes, was a wake-up call Toni faced head-on.

"I know many people are reluctant to go for regular health checks," she says. "But without the Vitality Health Check, I could've developed type 2 diabetes and found myself on chronic medicine for the rest of my life."

"Type 2 diabetes is closely related to the food we eat and a lack of exercise," she explains. "My GP prescribed medicine to help stabilise my blood sugar levels. But managing my weight has always been a stumbling block, so I knew I had to make other lifestyle changes too."

Toni embraces exercise and healthy eating

Toni signed up for swimming classes and joined the Vitality HealthyWeight programme in 2023. She has lost 9 kg in the first three months on the programme and aims to continue with this sustained, healthy weight loss.

"There's a misperception that people who are overweight don't know what to do," she says. "We know. It's the implementation that can be hard, particularly when life gets stressful. The support from my nutrition coach has been tremendous."

For Toni, her progress is not about weight loss. It's about adopting a healthier lifestyle and finding a balance between work, which sometimes has her travelling as far as Botswana and the Eastern Cape, and her personal health.

Reaping the rewards

"I'm feeling the change in my overall wellbeing," says Toni, who plans to reward herself with a mid-year holiday to either Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls, or Livingstone.

"With Vitality Travel, there are great discounts to take advantage of," she adds. "The points I earn for doing my Vitality Health Check all add up. The incentives for healthy behaviour, the occasional clever nudges from the newsletter, and the encouraging and non-judgemental feedback from my HealthyWeight coach are really helpful."

And that's how Toni lives life with Vitality.

Early detection with the Vitality Health Check

Do a Vitality Health Check at any Discovery Store, or accredited Vitality Wellness Centre, Vitality Wellness Network pharmacy or Discovery Wellness days