Beat Diabetes
Like so many, Geoff had type 2 diabetes. Then a diet planned by his sons saw him lose SIX STONE – and it could save your life, too
DELICIOUS RECIPES TO PREVENT TYPE 2 DIABETES
MY FATHER-in-law was at crisis point. Weighing more than 19 stone, with advanced type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and popping handfuls of pills a day, Geoff Whitington was in danger of losing a foot – a complication of his condition.
Almost superhumanly stubborn but fiercely loyal – he thought nothing of dropping everything and driving 100 miles to help his children – Geoff, then 62, was known by his son my husband
my husband Anthony, 38, and his brother Ian, 37, as the family fixer. Now it was their turn to fix their dad by overhauling his health and his attitude. Against what seemed like almost insurmountable odds at times – and against much resistance from Geoff at first – out went his beloved takeaways and in came a strict two-month, 800-calorie-aday diet. It is based on a groundbreaking programme designed at Newcastle University and can help those who stick to it lose an incredible two stone in eight weeks. As well as this, Geoff gave up sitting on the sofa during his days off as a security guard and went cycling and fishing instead. He even took up yoga. That was all three years ago, and Ian and Anthony chronicled 12 months of Geoff’s journey on film. The result, called Fixing Dad, was broadcast on BBC2 last July. It laid bare the lows – such as the showdown in a supermarket where Geoff refused to try new foods – but crucially captured the highs, such as the moment a consultant’s letter confirmed that his long battle with diabetes was ‘resolved’.
Today, Geoff is a man transformed, and grateful for a new chance at life. He is six stone lighter, cycles, cooks and is even a speaker at health conferences. He told us: ‘Diabetes was killing me and I thought there was nothing I could do about it. My family showed me I was wrong. I can do things now I couldn’t do at 21!’
Though his story is remarkable, his plight was far from unusual. According to one survey, 854,165 adults over 40 in Ireland are at increased risk of developing, or have, type 2 diabetes. After receiving many letters and emails from families in similar situations, all asking for advice, we put the plan that saved Geoff into a book, also called Fixing Dad.
Today, in an exclusive extract, you’ll find details of the diet that reversed Geoff’s diabetes, as well as advice on how to tackle the obstacles that can block success.
Next week, we’ll reveal how to build physical activity into even the most sedentary lifestyles and how to manage any setbacks. But do remember, if you are a diabetic or on any medication, to consult your doctor before embarking on a fast weight-loss programme.