Gary’s testimonial – having ‘Just One Less’

Like many men, I have never paid much attention to what I eat or drink. It has not been on the top of my list of priorities. If it tasted good, I ate or drank it.

I have always kept active – working in construction you’re always doing something physical.  Although I didn’t do a lot of sport, I participated in the occasional game or event. I have never had an issue with blood sugars or cholesterol. I took advantage of the free “know your numbers” tests when they were offered and never had an issue.

As the years have gone on, my sweet-toothed diet continued, my work became more sedentary, and sport was more playing with the kids than actively participating in any organised event.

This was when my numbers started to edge up, until at a “well man” check over, I had a bit of a surprise. My blood sugar level had risen to a point where I was pre-diabetic. I was told I had to do something otherwise this could lead to type 2 diabetes and all the health issues which that entails. This was a bit of a shock.

There was that slight edge of panic, I would have to change my diet, venture into unknown areas, I may have to start eating all those strange nuts and pulses which I had been avoiding for years.

Then I was told of the One Less challenge by The Diabetes Safety Organisation. This sounded simple and straight forward. I have always had my tea “NATO standard”, white with 2 sugars. To take out the sugar was something I could do. To have one less pint, one less can of coke, yes that’s possible, achievable, and obtainable.

Initially, my tea tasted horrible, this is not what I’m used to! But after a couple of weeks, it became normal to a point where I don’t think I could face a cuppa with sugar in it. I don’t miss cans of fizzy drinks. I do still have the occasional, but it’s the exception rather than the rule.

The upside of this simple change is that I am no longer pre-diabetic. My blood sugars are under control, not to mention the financial savings by not buying so many sweet things. I can’t remember the last time I bought a bag of sugar!

So go on, give it a go, you’ll have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Don’t wait until you have that wake-up call. #havejustoneless

Gary (56)