I cured my own diabetes in three months
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A CHOCOLATE addict has amazed medics by reversing his type 2 diabetes in just three months – by giving up junk food. Glen McCafferty, who has been blind since childhood, was told he was at imminent risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke as his weight ballooned to more than 17st after gorging on family-sized bars of chocolate and crisps. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in March but has now stunned doctors by ridding himself of the condition through a strict diet and exercise regime. As well as giving up chocolate, Glen took regular walks around his home town East Kilbride. Medics have told Glen it is one of the quickest recoveries from diabetes through diet and exercise they have seen. It was previously believed there was no cure for type 2 diabetes and it had to be managed with medication. But now medics believe lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can reverse the potentially fatal illness. Glen, 56, believes he is the perfect example of the new approach. He said: “I’d scoff huge bars of chocolate, cakes and bags of crisps every single night.
“I knew I was putting on weight but I never had the motivation to do anything about it. I was stuck in a cycle of binge eating in front of the television and never realised it was taking its toll on my health.
“I wasn’t feeling great for a few days and went to my GP. When I discovered I had type 2 diabetes I was shocked.
“I’d probably had it for a while and had no idea how serious it is.
“That’s when I knew I had to make serious changes or lose my life. I had to take control of my health.”
After quitting sweet treats and junk food, Glen lost more than 2st in 12 weeks, taking him to 15st.
At first, he found it tough to walk short distances but refused to give up.
He said: “I cut out sugar completely and started walking everywhere. As I’m registered blind, it can be tricky to get around but I was determined to get out of the house.
“It was hard at first because I still craved treats but I just stuck to it and soon the weight dropped off.
“I was very strict with calories and changed my eating habits, cutting out junk food completely.
“After a few weeks I could see a difference and my blood sugar levels improved, which spurred me to keep going.
“I also pushed myself to climb Arthur’s Seat and getting to the top
I’m ashamed my greed put my life at risk. I’m grateful to have a second chance GLEN McCAFFERTY ON HIS NEW HEALTHY OUTLOOK
felt like crossing the finishing line of a marathon.”
Type 2 diabetes is caused when accumulated fat in the pancreas and liver interferes with insulin production, which in turn sees blood sugar levels spiking.
More than 276,000 people in Scotland have diabetes and a further 500,000 people are at high risk of developing the condition.
At his last hospital appointment Glen, who has been blind since the age of five, was told he has managed to rid himself of diabetes and his sugar levels are under control.
He said: “The nurse was stunned that I’d managed to do it in three months. She said it normally takes at least a year, if at all, and that I was a walking miracle.
“My blood sugar is now spot on and my diabetes is completely gone, although I’ll still need check-ups to make sure it doesn’t come back.
“As long as I control my diet and continue to exercise, it shouldn’t be a problem. I’m just grateful to have a second chance at life.”
GP and obesity expert Dr Ian Campbell says adopting a healthy lifestyle can give people with type 2 diabetes the power to completely reverse the condition.
He said: “Type 2 diabetes is caused by our genes, our age and our weight and there’s only one of those we can do anything about. Once diagnosed, a combination of weight loss, healthy diet and increased physical activity is by far the best treatment.
“Doctors are often too quick to reach for the prescription pad and my advice for anyone who has the condition, or who is deemed at risk, is to work with their doctor and nurse to adopt a healthy active lifestyle, reduce their weight and monitor their diabetes.
“Good weight control can help control diabetes, can prevent diabetes and can much reduce the risk of future life-threatening complications from the disease.”
Glen has vowed to keep up his active lifestyle and is focused on losing even more weight.
He said: “I feel ashamed that greed caused me to put my life at risk. I could have ended up in a early grave if it wasn’t caught in time.
“But I am living proof that you can prevent type 2 diabetes – and if I can do it, anyone can.
“With a little dedication and a desire to get healthy again, you can make changes that will save your life.”
“I am finding I’m walking more and caring for my body. I feel like I’m going to get more out of life. If you have the right mindset, you are going to stick to what you need to do.