Andy’s story: I kept my type 2 diabetes diagnosis a secret

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2016 at the age of 36, just a year after my wife and I married. 

I had gained a considerable amount of weight leading up to and after my wedding (despite my wife’s efforts to make changes to my diet). At my heaviest, I was around 21.5 stone – I had quite a sweet tooth but also enjoyed alcohol, sometimes to excess. 

In ways, this was my response to a stressful career and the grief I held from losing my father. He sadly passed away from diabetes-related complications in 2011. 

"Looking back, the signs leading up to my diagnosis were apparent – but I buried my head in the sand."

I noticed that I was running to the toilet more regularly during the day, and I was waking up a couple of times at night for the same reason. I was also thirsty all the time and suffering from fatigue. I noticed that I could easily have slept at my desk on many occasions (I resisted temptation, but it wasn’t easy). 

I spoke with my neighbour, who also has diabetes, for some advice, especially around the symptoms I was experiencing. It was more apparent that I needed to visit my GP.

When I did, they tested my blood, and around a week later, he called me to confirm my diagnosis. I was devastated – particularly because just before my dad passed away, I promised him that I would look after myself and not go on to develop diabetes. 

After my diagnosis, I tended not to discuss my condition with anyone. 

My wife would raise the subject with me from time to time – and I’d end up shutting her out or ignoring her advice. Only a small handful of people knew I had diabetes – my mum, my brother, and my friend. I didn’t tell my wider family, my friends, or work colleagues. I even kept it a secret from my parents-in-law. 

"I think I initially felt embarrassed and ashamed – principally because I felt that I had let my dad down, and the rest of my family."

I do feel that had I been in a different headspace and ready to engage with my GP, I would have had suitable support and education. 

Although, given our family’s experience, it felt like I had all the education I’d ever have needed in understanding the seriousness and possible long-term implications. I think in many ways, Dad’s illness brought my brother, Mum and I closer together – we are very close to this day.

For many years, I did nothing to manage my diabetes – although I did lose weight over time. From my heaviest, I managed to drop to 16 stone over a period of about 4 years. I hovered at this weight for around 5 years, from 2020 to 2025.

After my kids were born, I took more of an interest in my diabetes. I was fortunate to have access to private health checks through work and, because of those private health checks, I discovered that my HbA1c was 86mmol/mol. I decided to act and attended appointments with my GP and diabetes nurse. I was prescribed Metformin. From there, my HbA1c numbers started to drop, and by Christmas Eve 2024, they were down to 63mmol/mol. 

In May 2025, I was out walking my dog with a close friend. He was discussing how he had been diagnosed with prediabetes and that he had invested in a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). I spent the next few weeks thinking about how I ought to do the same to turbo-charge my diabetes management.

I took the plunge and ordered a box of two CGMs that would last a month, which was quite costly. I count myself really lucky that I was able to afford that, as I recognise this sadly isn’t the case for many. 

When I spotted my erratic glucose levels after using the CGM for the first time, it was then that  I realised that my diabetes was incredibly volatile. I decided enough was enough.

All my attempts to manage my diabetes up until this point were – at best – half-hearted. It was after I saw how erratic my glucose levels were that I knew I wanted to put my diabetes into remission. I had a fundamental change in mindset, and my family and friends were incredibly supportive. 

I embarked on a journey that saw massive changes to my eating habits, cutting the majority of sugar and carbs from my diet. I stopped eating bread, pasta, fruit, and many other variants of my favourite foods. 

In a way, it was really challenging and super restrictive, but it had dramatic results on my HbA1c – it dropped to 33mmol/mol over the course of four months. My weight dropped further to just shy of 14 stone, which I now maintain.

"There is no two ways about it – my approach to self-remission was challenging and unique to me. Everyone’s journey to remission is different, and ultimately, it’s really important that they speak with their healthcare team about their individual goals and what’s achievable."

My game plan was to achieve a HbA1c below 41 and then transition to a long-term, more sustainable diet for myself. 

I continue to manage my diabetes – or now remission – as a ‘new normal’ and have reintroduced more complex carbohydrates, fruits, and ‘treats’ into my diet. Now I am truly thinking about what I’m eating and drinking and considering the effect it may have on my glucose levels and overall health.

I also invested in an exercise bench, adjustable dumbbells, and weight plates, and have set a daily exercise regimen using these pieces of equipment. I have jokingly said that I want to look like Christian Bale in his Batman days by Christmas 2025! While I might never achieve that, at least I have focus.

I managed to avoid developing complications that can come with type 2 diabetes. Through growing up with my father, who lived with diabetes for many years and struggled with managing his condition well, I know how serious the complications associated with diabetes can be.  

"I personally haven’t encountered prejudice in relation to my diabetes – but honestly, that’s partially because I kept my diagnosis a secret for many years. In ways, I hold a certain degree of self-stigma. I felt embarrassed and ashamed of my type 2 diabetes diagnosis because of the promises I made to my dad." 

I had believed that my diagnosis was brought on because of my own ‘poor choices’ – so I carried a degree of guilt that I am the “master of my own destiny” with my health. But really, diabetes is so complex, and for our family, we carry that genetic history of type 2 diabetes – so I may have always been more susceptible.

It’s taken a while, and maybe now, because I have put my diabetes into remission – I’ve been able to speak more publicly about my diabetes experiences. My wider family, friends, and work colleagues have – without exception – been incredibly supportive and encouraging when I describe my journey.

"I do wish that more people understood the severity of potential complications that may arise from diabetes. As I saw with my dad’s own journey, for many years it was seemingly endless medical interventions, a significant amount of stress for the family and – of course – for the person living with the condition themselves."

With my experiences of type 2 diabetes, it feels like more education about the condition itself should be more readily available – particularly for those from deprived backgrounds. 

For those on tighter budgets, it can be incredibly difficult to make healthy food choices – or to sometimes even understand what healthy food choices look like. More investment in this area is crucial and could do so much to help improve the lives of those affected or potentially affected by type 2 diabetes.

My wife is also extremely supportive and understanding – she has been with me every step of the way on my remission journey. Most importantly, she has also supported me massively through my grief in losing my dad. 

For me, I think it’s really important that those affected by diabetes try to discuss it openly with friends, family, or other supportive people in their life. I found that by confronting the issue, it was more manageable, and I was able to reduce some of my risks.

My family and I have been touched by diabetes in one of the most devastating ways, and we have carried that with us for many years. 

I feel for others who may have found themselves in a similar situation to mine, and hope my experience can help inspire them on their journey in looking after their condition, but also being kinder to themselves or the people they may be caring for, and lessening that very heavy feeling of guilt.