WHEN Michael Hewson went along to a clinic at his GP surgery, he soon discovered all was not well.

The 70-year-old from Lewes thought he was in reasonable shape but tests revealed his sugar levels were high and he was at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

After a chat with his doctor, Mr Hewson was given the chance to sign up for a ten month NHS programme specifically designed to help him get in shape.

He readily accepted as he was aware having the disease could lead to a life-changing future.

Mr Hewson said: “My confidence rose when I walked into a room of other people who, like me, had no obvious signs of being unhealthy.

“Immediately I felt comfortable that I had made the right decision to attend, and my knowledge of how to avoid diabetes continued to grow as the months rolled by.”

Mr Hewson’s greatest surprise was how simple lifestyle changes could make a big difference to his health.

He said: “I live on the outskirts of Lewes, and rather than hopping on the bus, I now enjoy the walk into town.

“I have become more aware of the food we buy and what we really should avoid and I’ve lost more than a stone in weight.

“I feel I have so much energy now.”

Mr Hewson has been told his blood sugar readings are now back to normal and he’s no longer considered to be at risk of diabetes.

He said: “The challenge now is to stick to my plan and remain healthy.

“However I’ve been given all the information I need to succeed and I’m determined to do just that.”

The Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is run in East Sussex by the healthcare experts Ingeus.