“I’ve lived with type 2 diabetes for 15 years, and before discovering Defeat Diabetes, I thought I ate reasonably well. However, in hindsight, I was solely focused on avoiding sugar and didn’t think about carbohydrates.

I’d eat a bowl of pasta or potatoes most evenings and believed I was doing the right thing by eating starchy carbs. But now I know that they contributed to my high blood sugar levels.

In May 2021, my HbA1c was 7.6 – the highest in a while. I also had signs of fatty liver. Two years prior, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and I knew things were heading in the wrong direction. So, I thought, if I want to be around for a while longer, I have to try and improve my health.

I saw an advert about Defeat Diabetes and downloaded the program. I started watching the videos and reading the articles. As I went through the program, it all began to make sense. It turned everything I knew about nutrition upside down, and I was amazed to learn that even a bowl of pasta was doing as much harm as a teaspoon of sugar.

After eight months on the Defeat Diabetes Program, I’ve lost 26 kg and my wife Betty has lost over 10 kg by adopting this way of eating!

As well as the weight loss, my blood pressure has improved, I’ve reduced my medications, increased my energy levels, and even the tremor in my left hand from Parkinson’s disease has reduced. My GP couldn’t believe my results! After seeing what it’s done for me in such a short period, he’s supportive of the low carb approach.

I follow the principles of the program rather than a super strict diet. Still, I’m constantly referring back to the content in the Defeat Diabetes program, in particular, the Traffic Light Guide, which outlines the foods that I can enjoy (and those that I need to limit). I’ve printed it out and stuck it to our fridge to help with planning the weekly shopping!

I’ve learned to reduce my portion sizes and curb cravings (although I still enjoy a sneaky meat pie from time to time). I’ve replaced pasta and potatoes with omelettes, meats, salad and cauliflower mash.

My wife and I prioritise daily exercise, walking 5-6 km a day. We love our newfound routine so much that we’re disappointed if we don’t get to go on our walk when it’s a raining!

There are other benefits, too. This way of eating saves the environment; our weekly household garbage has reduced to the size of one shopping bag. Although I’ve also had to get an entirely new wardrobe!

The results will follow if you’re committed to learning how to manage type 2 diabetes through diet. It’s simple, not complicated. You’re not counting calories, just eating sensibly. It just makes sense.”