One man says he was able to overturn his type 2 diabetes diagnosis after cutting out processed foods and sugar and working out with a trainer.

Darren Burke, 56, from Seamills, Bristol, said he had been feeling lethargic and had no energy so he bought a test online and discovered his blood sugar levels were “in the red”.

When he visited his GP for a health check in January last year, it was discovered that he had diabetes. He said it was “a shock” but gave him the encouragement he needed to keep working.

He said he had “been in denial for a while” but decided to change his diet and make exercise a part of his life in December 2024.

After a year of following his new approach to fitness and eating, he said he received word from his GP that his blood sugar levels had improved and he was no longer diabetic.

Ms Burke previously said she had a “big belly but was otherwise thin” and had spent years snacking on chips and chocolate and drinking tea with lots of sugar.

He also became the designated driver on nights out and cut back on alcohol, instead drinking “bucketfuls” of soda.

“When I first learned I was diabetic and not pre-diabetic, I looked within myself,” he explained.

However, after making some lifestyle changes, he managed to lower his blood sugar levels even though he was still diabetic.

Inspired by this result, he started sharing his story on his blog, encouraging others to be more aware of diabetes and its risks.

Burke said the signs had been there for several years “much longer than I thought,” but he hoped sharing his story would help others.

“If you don’t take time for your health, you’ll have to take more time for your illness,” he added.