Dave was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2008, aged just 39. Dave says that his diet at the time was “horrible” and his only activity was looking after his 6 year old triplets.

Dave knew he had to make changes. He started taking medication for his diabetes. He didn’t find it hard to change his diet or start exercising – he found the thought of losing a limb or kidney function to diabetes was enough to change his mindset. Since changing his lifestyle he has been relatively complication-free.

These days he’s living well with type 2 diabetes. Find out what steps Dave took.

“Dump the junk food and takeaways. Healthy eating is worth the effort.”

Raising my family kept me busy. I thought I didn’t have time to watch what I ate, and instead relied on junk food and takeaways. My health suffered as a result.

After my diagnosis, I made time to adapt my diet. It wasn’t that hard to do. I became an educated food consumer, reading nutritional labels, swapping out junk food with healthier alternatives, cooking more at home and being selective with ingredients.

Was it a struggle to resist my favourite takeaway? Not at all! How I felt made it all worthwhile.

“Just start moving. Exercise until it’s a habit.”

My doctor warned me that my lifestyle was going to kill me. I knew he was right – for years I’d put off exercising. It was always easy to find an excuse to avoid activity, even just playing with my kids.

With his warning ringing in my ears, I started walking, going at my own rate, every day. It became a habit. As I got fitter, I lifted my distance and intensity and then took up cycling.

Being active was the easiest decision I’ve made. Improving my future was my motivation.

“Get help, get checked and get on top of it.”

I ignored my health for years. It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes that I realised help was out there.

I was afraid of getting diabetes complications or even dying but thanks to health professionals’ advice, and my own research, I changed my lifestyle and been relatively complication-free ever since. It’s a small effort to get check-ups, but it’s worth it to have that professional reassurance.

Since making these changes, I feel awesome. I wish I’d made all the changes sooner, including being a better husband and father.