Hi Big Al,

My Mum was diagnosed with type2 diabetes when she was about 40 and my sister was too. I have managed to stave it off so far.

I am a huge fan of Dr Michael Mosley. I watch as many of his TV shows as I can find and I'm impressed about the science behind his recommendations. The the blood sugar diet is specifically designed for diabetics. It is clearly explained, and in my opinion, fairly easy to follow.

(Usual diclaimer: I have no connection to the Mosley programmes. I just think he gives some great, factual, scientific information.)

The website says, "A scientifically based plan for weight loss and improved blood sugar" and the three basic principles are:

"Low carb Med style

"There is overwhelming scientific evidence that a low carb Mediterranean-style diet — one rich in vegetables, olive oil, nuts and the occasional glass of wine or bite of dark chocolate — is better for weight loss, blood sugar control and improving cholesterol than going on a low fat diet. That’s why it’s central to the Blood Sugar Diet.

"Reduced calories

"To improve your blood sugar levels it is important that you reduce the fat that is clogging up your liver and your pancreas and stopping them working properly. The quickest way to do this is to go on an 800 a day low calorie diet, the sort described in the book. The rapid drop in calories will drain the fat from your vital organs. Alternatively the BSD 5:2 intermittent fasting approach involves cutting to 800 calories 2 days a week giving more flexibility.

"Move more

"When your muscles become infiltrated with fat they stop being able to absorb and use the sugar that is being carried round in your blood. So rather than being burnt as fuel these excess calories are deposited as fat. The fastest way to reverse this problem is to get active. This will also help build muscle and keep your weight down."


It's important to note that the 800 calorie diet is basically until a person achieves a good healthy weight, specifically with a reduction in body fat. It's not 800 calories for the rest of your life.

Hubby and I have used the 5:2 diet with excellent results, losing weight and keeping it off by fasting on two non-consecutive days a week. After we lost the weight we just do that as and when we need it if the weight starts to creep up again.

For me, the Mediterranean diet is just the best. Healthy, but also tasty and interesting.

My personal basic principle is to steer clear of white carbs as much as possible e.g. white bread, white rice, pasta, spuds, and introduce a lot of healthy fibre using beans and legumes in cooking, and multigrain bread and pasta or flour made from chick peas etc.

Dr Mosley has actually reversed his diabetes condition through these regimes.

Good luck with it all.