A RETIRED groundsman is walking on cloud nine after successfully reversing his diabetes despite being told it probably wasn't possible.

Steve Newth, from Wroughton, says overcoming the condition has been down to two simple things, walking every day and overhauling his unhealthy diet.

The 62-year-old's Type 2 diabetes remained undiagnosed for several years until last summer and it had started to affect his sight and mobility.

He said: “When I found out, I didn’t know much about diabetes. Although I was warned it’s unlikely to be reversible, I was determined to keep it in check so I committed to changing my diet and starting to exercise – two things I had regrettably paid no real attention to in the past.”

Since ringing the changes, Steve has shed five stone and says he feels fitter than ever.

“It’s not rocket science, but my new routine has totally changed everything," he said. "I feel fantastic and my doctor has told me to stop taking the tablets for diabetes because my blood sugars are normal. I’m over the moon because I never thought it was possible.

“I used to have a walking stick but now I don’t need it. I go for a walk three times every day, totalling six miles, as well as doing stretches in my back garden.

“I’ve also cut out all the rubbish from my diet – no crisps, biscuits, pasties or anything like that. It’s all fresh stuff – lots of fruit and veg, with lean protein like turkey, chicken or fish. I never get hungry, I’ve just changed what I eat.”

Steve's health deteriorated after he stopped working.

He said: “I used to be quite active, cutting all the sports pitches, but after a spell of illness I had to take early retirement after 43 years. I ended up sitting at home watching TV a lot and eating too much junk."

When he went to the doctors with a kidney problem, he was also diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and prescribed medication.

He said: “I was put on the highest dose. But to help try and control it, my lifestyle needed to totally change, so I enrolled on Dietbusters – a 12-week course to introduce me to exercise and educate me on having a healthier diet. It was a revelation and all made sense, I just hadn’t thought about it before.”

Steve said: "These days I feel guilty if I don’t go for my regular walks and I don’t miss all that unhealthy food, except perhaps fish and chips, so I still have the odd portion of low-fat chips for a treat.”

The full extent of his recovery was revealed recently when the tests results for his diabetes check-up came back.

He said: “My blood sugar levels were normal and the doctor told me to stop taking my medication altogether. I couldn’t believe it.”

Determined to make the most of his new-found health and energy, Steve has just started volunteering for Prospect Hospice and plans to help other diabetics, who want to try to manage their condition through leading a healthy lifestyle by becoming a volunteer walk leader.

Coun Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council cabinet member for adult health and social care, said: “Steve’s story is truly inspiring and shows what a huge difference being more physically active and having a balanced diet can make to your health."

If you feel inspired by Steve to be more active contact the council’s Community Health and Wellbeing Team by emailing communityhealthandwellbeing@swindon.gov.uk or calling: 01793 465367.

To sign up for the free Change4life Sugar Swaps visit the website www.change4life.co.uk or www.nhs.uk/oneyou could also help you on the way to a healthier you.