To help me eat well and work towards a healthy weight, I started reading up on what makes up a healthy, balanced diet, and building my understanding of what, and how much, you consume can make a difference to your blood glucose levels and diabetes management. 

I also started looking at labels on pre-packed foods and drinks I was eating and drinking to get a better idea of what’s in certain products as the basis for cutting down on my sugar intake and making some swaps.  

What’s more, I started going on regular walks and joined a weight management programme. 

The diet plan I started through the programme has helped me with new eating habits and I’ve enjoyed the sense of community I get from talking to other people in the group that’s part of the programme. The team running the programme also encouraged me to keep in contact with my diabetes nurse, which I did. 

When I did get to meet my diabetes nurse, she measured my HbA1c, and started the checks my GP advised me about. My nurse was very encouraging and supportive, not just about diet, but emotionally as well which is important because the impact of being told you have types 2 diabetes is a big thing. 

It's so important to go regularly and have your HbA1c checked, and foot checks and stuff like that, because it gives you a view of how things are going. I think it's important you get the checks you need from the NHS even though it's stretched. We've got to make sure that those people in power give the NHS the money that it needs and that the money gets put into proper services that are helping people look after their diabetes better. 

We need to make sure we've got the people there with the knowledge and the skills and the resources so that everybody has the support they need.

Although I was keen to be part of the pilot scheme, my GP wanted me to think about it and discuss it with my family. She explained in a lot of detail what it would entail and mentioned the soups and shakes. A week and a half later I went to see her at the surgery still adamant that I wanted to take part. I discovered that at 65, I was at the age limit to be accepted for a place.
 
The next step was to have an interview with the doctor running the programme at the hospital, as well as a dietitian. I was also required to meet with a psychologist, which was important. We had a relaxed chat, just to see if I had the right character and commitment to see the course through. It was expensive for the NHS to support me on the programme, so they needed to know that I was serious.

My diagnosis was a real wake-up call for me and one I’ve really benefited from.

I’ve kept the weight off and I’m a lot more careful about what I eat. I’ve really immersed myself in knowing the make-up of my foods, cooking from scratch, and knowing what I’m eating when I’m out and about.

And now, even though I’ve eased off or I have the occasional treat, I’m still very much aware of my nutrition and wellbeing. You can still enjoy food, it’s all about moderation. It wasn’t easy but I don’t want to be taking diabetes medication for the rest of my life.

However, it’s important to say that my regime and approach might not work for everyone – but it’s what’s worked for me. 

Connor has learnt to manage his diabetes really well and has great support surrounding him. In some cases, his friends are more understanding than some adults. They all learnt about Connor’s condition from Connor himself. They look after him, they know when to grab an adult for help, and they don’t even bat an eyelid when Connor has to stop and finger prick or eat a snack in class if needed.  

"My advice for any parents of children living with diabetes is that it does get easier, it becomes your normal – education and awareness play a big part in that and are key. Celebrate the good days when they come around, and don't be afraid to try new things!"