I have routine blood tests because I take medication for high blood pressure. A couple of years ago, the nurse at the doctor's surgery decided that it was time to give me dietary advice as I was pre-diabetic. Last year, I was diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes and I was put on to a low dose of Metformin. I had already started losing weight but, by the time of my next blood test, I had lost over 4 stone. I was taken off the Metformin so type 2 diabetes is clearly reversible with diet.

So, to answer Big Al's question, what did I cut out? Generally, I just ate less of everything but, in particular, no unnecessaries such as biscuits, jam and crisps. I also limited the number of pastries and cakes, reserving them for special treats. I have been educating myself, over the years, to take less sugar in everything.

What I do eat is lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. What I don't eat is 'light', 'low fat' or 'no added sugar' products with artificial sweeteners - I don't do pretend.

Now that I am trying to maintain my current weight, I have reintroduced biscuits and jam but try not to go overboard. The next blood test will tell if I have been successful.

DC