'My dietitian told me I had 'reversed' my condition'

I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in September 2007 following a nasty attack of pancreatitis. I lost my 20-year job because of depression six months earlier. This, together with the diagnosis, caused further depression and weight gain.

Then I changed my lifestyle.

I now only eat food I have prepared myself from scratch and eat unrefined carbs and plenty of vegetables. I stopped drinking diet Coke and similar low calorie drinks and began to increase my water intake. I eat red meat only on a Sunday, chicken once a week, a complete vegetarian meal once a week and the rest of the time is fish.

Then I began aqua aerobics and soon after included the gym and now I play badminton as well. The results?

I have never felt better, fitter or more positive. Initially, I lost seven pounds when I began to exercise, but my cargo shifted and the fat started to turn to muscle. My blood sugar levels have decreased from 12 to 4 or 5.

I am convinced now that excellent nutrition and exercise are key to combating my health problems. I get days of depression, but I try and remain focused on my goals - to get well and try and undo what I have inflicted on my body for the last 20 years.

I would say to anyone like me, when you're ready, stop eating rubbish, tone up your body, and get as well as you can. The rewards are overwhelming.

Since mid-January, I have lost a total of 25lbs when I started on my healthy eating and exercise program. This means I have gone down two sizes. I am also much fitter as I made exercise part of my daily routine.

In addition, my depression improved, my self-confidence improved, and I found I was over-medicating so when I went to the diabetes clinic, I was taken off Gliclazide and now only take 2 x 850g Metformin instead of 3. My sugar levels have remained around 5 to 6.
 
Also, the fantastic news for me is that I have found a job which I really enjoy.  After several rejections for jobs my new employer took me on, despite my diabetes and this is a massive boost to my morale. I no longer take medication for depression either.
 
For me the next step is simple. I shall keep doing what I am doing - healthy eating - no processed food or artificial drinks - and regular exercise.

My dietitian told me I had ‘reversed’ my condition and although I know I shall always be diabetic, I am fortunate enough to be able to manage it and enjoy a full and ‘normal’ life.

My weight has stabilised, but my body shape has drastically improved, where the fat deposits have greatly reduced from my mid section and my whole body is toning up nicely. Of course, losing a fair bit of weight and eating healthily has improved my skin and significantly reduced my constant migraines and I no longer have aches in my abdomen or indigestion.