Man reverses diabetes thanks to lifestyle changes

A man says he managed to reverse his type two diabetes diagnosis after cutting out processed food and sugar and working out with a trainer.

Darren Burke, 56, from Seamills in Bristol, said he had been aware of feeling lethargic and unfit, so he bought some tests online and found his glucose levels "were in the red".

A visit to the GP for a health check in January last year revealed he was diabetic, which he said "was a shock" but the incentive he needed to keep going.

After "being in denial for some time", he said he committed to making changes to his diet and making exercise part of his life in December 2024.

After a year of continuing with his new approach to fitness and food, he said he received the news from the GP he has improved his glucose levels and is no longer diabetic.

Burke said previously he had a "big belly but was skinny everywhere else" and spent years snacking on crisps and chocolate and drinking cups of tea with lots of sugar.

He also became the designated driver on nights out, foregoing the alcohol but replacing it with "bucket loads" of fizzy soft drinks.

"When I first found out I was diabetic, and not pre-diabetic I went inside myself," he explained.

But after making some lifestyle changes he manged to reduce his glucose levels, although he was still diabetic.

Spurred on by the results, he began sharing his story on a blog, encouraging others to be more aware of diabetes and the dangers of it.

Burke said signs had been there for "a lot longer than I care to think about" and over several years, but hoped sharing his story will help others.

"If you don't take time for your wellness, you'll have to take a lot more time for your illness," he added.

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