A DIABETIC man has managed to beat the disease in just nine months. But it’s not because he’s on a new wonder drug or treatment – it’s because he lost weight.

Martin Sotheran of Bournemouth who tipped the scales at nearly 21 stone at his heaviest, was on medication for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol.

“I have been battling with my weight for at least ten years. The problem was I didn’t eat very healthily and I used to drink a couple of cans of lager almost every night.”

But when his doctor warned him that he would probably be a Type 1 diabetic by the end of the year the 63-year-old grandfather knew he had to do something about his size.

“It was the wake up call I needed,” he admits. “Although I knew I was overweight and aware that this restricted my activities, I was in denial because I thought I was in control.”

His wife Pam, 52, who was a member of Slimming World, suggested they attended their local class together.

“I had dabbled with numerous diets over the years including the Atkins and the South Beach Diet and even slimming pills.

“I also spent a fortune on a gym membership but it didn’t make any difference as I always went back to my old eating habits and the weight came back, “But Slimming World isn’t a diet it’s a healthy eating plan. During the next seven months I lost three stone and never felt hungry.

“We even managed to have a holiday in France and still lose weight.”

Now the retired hospital manager says he is enjoying a new lease of life.

“I feel so much healthier. I can walk up the hill from Boscombe Pier now without having to stop several times to catch my breath – my 13-year-old granddaughter thinks its great too.”

Martin has also become a Slimming World consultant.

“Many men find it intimidating to join a slimming club because it tends to be pre-dominantly female, which is one of the reasons why I decided to become a consultant, “Being overweight is becoming a serious national issue and is known to dramatically increase health risks. If I had known the health risks I would never have allowed my weight to continue for so long but for the first time in my life I have managed to lose weight and not put it back on again. I would recommend anyone to give it a try.”

Martin’s class is held at the Springbourne Christian Centre on Tuesdays at 7.30pm.